T20 World Cup Final | India captain Suryakumar Yadav reacted to comments made by New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner about “silencing the crowd” ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final between India and New Zealand in Ahmedabad on Sunday.
Santner had earlier said that his team aims to quieten the home supporters during the final, pointing to the pressure on India to win the tournament in front of its fans. Speaking about the challenge of playing in India, Santner said the team’s goal would be to perform well and “silence the crowd,” adding that the hosts are under significant expectation to lift the trophy on home soil.
Responding to the remark, Suryakumar Yadav downplayed the comment and described such statements as predictable before big matches. Addressing reporters ahead of the final, he said many teams make similar remarks before important games.
“Everybody is saying the same line. They should come up with something new,” Suryakumar said when asked about Santner’s statement regarding silencing the crowd.
The two teams are set to meet in the final of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday. India are aiming to defend their title, while New Zealand are seeking to end their wait for a major ICC trophy.
Sanju Samson Backs Abhishek Sharma
Meanwhile, India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson expressed confidence in opener Abhishek Sharma ahead of the summit clash. Despite Sharma’s inconsistent form during the tournament, Samson said the left-hander could still make an impact in the final.
Sanju Samson said the big stage could be the right opportunity for Abhishek Sharma to turn things around and deliver for the team in the title clash against New Zealand.
– Magizh
