Kolkata, March 2 (NationPress) - India’s captain, Suryakumar Yadav, expressed immense pride in his team’s resilience and poise following their exhilarating triumph over the West Indies in a crucial Super Eights match at Eden Gardens on Sunday, which clinched them a spot in the semifinals in Mumbai.

Reflecting on the intense nature of the match, Suryakumar noted that the team rose to the occasion and performed collectively when it was most necessary.

“It's truly a fantastic feeling. As everyone mentioned, it was a do-or-die situation, akin to a quarter-final, and the character displayed by the boys was remarkable,” Suryakumar remarked after the match.

India successfully chased a challenging target of 196 runs, thanks to a pivotal unbeaten 97 from Sanju Samson, whose performance was crucial in keeping India’s tournament hopes alive. Commending Samson’s determination and dedication, Suryakumar highlighted the value of patience and hard work that lay behind the scenes.

“I always mention that good things come to those who wait and who exhibit patience. I shared this sentiment with him after the match. His success today is the result of his relentless effort when he wasn't playing, and he reaped the rewards at the perfect moment. The way he played was instrumental in leading the team to victory,” he stated.

Suryakumar also acknowledged the bowlers for their role in maintaining pressure on the West Indies, emphasizing the critical nature of partnerships during the chase.

“Everyone adhered to the bowling plans effectively. We recognized that 200 is typically a strong score to chase at Eden, especially with the dew and how the pitch behaves in the second innings. The batters' ability to forge small partnerships was key in pushing the game deeper,” he elaborated.

With India now gearing up to face England in the semifinals in Mumbai, Suryakumar indicated that the team would gradually shift their focus while enjoying their qualification.

“I am thrilled with our achievement. The way we played from the onset, I believe we earned our place in the semifinals, especially in Mumbai. However, we won't dwell on that right now. We’ll take some time to unwind and travel tomorrow. Once we arrive in Mumbai, we’ll begin strategizing,” he added.

He also addressed the significant expectations tied to representing India, underlining the necessity for composure and clarity during high-pressure moments, stating, “Expectations are always present, but it’s crucial to know our objectives on the field as a team. I conveyed this to the boys as well. While pressure will exist, especially with many people watching, it’s vital to be courageous and bring your best performance when it counts. I think we excelled in that regard.”

Recognizing the emotional weight of crucial matches, he admitted that pressure is an inherent aspect of elite sports, saying, “I completely agree. Without pressure, there’s no excitement. We cannot deny the existence of pressure; it’s natural to feel nervous. Yet, playing at home in India, we will face pressure. The key is how we manage and channel that pressure.”

India aims to build on this momentum as they prepare for the semifinal clash, fueled by their confidence from a significant victory marked by composure, belief, and timely individual brilliance. They will contest against England on March 5.