Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 31 (NationPress) India's captain Suryakumar Yadav expressed his relief at regaining his form just in time for the Men’s T20 World Cup, following his commendation as Player of the Series in India's 4-1 triumph over New Zealand.

After a dismal 2025 season where he couldn't score a fifty, Suryakumar managed to hit three fifties, including a remarkable 63 in a 46-run victory against New Zealand at the Greenfield International Stadium on Saturday.

“It feels incredibly satisfying. It’s been a lengthy year filled with anticipation for these kinds of moments. I’ve always envisioned when this time would arrive. You mentioned it prior to the last series in Ahmedabad - when SKY is in play, there’s no need to fear.

“I merely continued with my established routines and practices from the past year. I was aware that I wasn’t out of form, just out of runs. This series has been excellent, and entering the World Cup with this mindset feels truly special,” Suryakumar remarked during the post-match presentation.

Reflecting on his difficulties, he added, “I think the sky wasn’t blue for a year, (smiles). But that’s life. It’s part of the journey. I tackled it head-on, revisited my strategies, and sought to identify what was amiss.

“After the previous series, I took two to three weeks to spend time with close friends, who shared some crucial advice. That’s the life of a sportsman. I’ve witnessed numerous careers - not just in cricket - where individuals undergo such phases.

“I was confident that my opportunity would arise if I continued to focus on the small details. I’m truly pleased with the way things have unfolded,” he stated.

Looking ahead to the T20 World Cup preparations, Suryakumar remarked, “Regardless of winning or losing, there’s always a takeaway from the game. Upon returning to Mumbai for a warm-up match against South Africa, we’ll review the last five games and the year overall - assessing what we’ve done well and what requires improvement. Then we commence our campaign.”

He also acknowledged New Zealand’s effort in the final match, where they fell short by 46 runs while chasing India’s 271/5. “This format poses significant challenges for bowlers - I fully comprehend that. When large scores are posted, one must anticipate a fierce response from the opposition.

“As a captain and part of the bowling unit, there’s always pressure. The essential aspect is to have effective strategies. It’s all part of the learning experience. We’ll discuss, analyze, and advance,” he added.

New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner noted that his team had taken positives despite the series loss. “When considering the series as a whole, we’ve gained numerous positives. India is a formidable team - I stated that from the outset - and they are incredibly challenging to defeat in their home conditions. We might need to adjust the strategies for the bowlers (laughs), but ultimately, it’s all about entertaining cricket,” he commented.

He further stated that the series against India would benefit New Zealand in preparation for the World Cup. “When consistently challenged throughout a series, it’s always a beneficial experience. It puts both bowlers and batters under pressure, allowing for valuable learning. From that perspective, it’s been a highly beneficial series for us. Although the results haven’t favored us, there are lessons to take from every game,” he said.

Regarding insights for the bowling unit, Santner mentioned, “It’s not easy. Our bowling unit must discover ways to counter very skilled batters - individuals who excel in boundaries and sixes. Perhaps it’s about converting those significant overs into 15 or 16, especially on flat pitches, knowing that even a score of 230 can be chaseable.”