Former opener Sadagoppan Ramesh slammed Team India for their overconfidence with the bat in the T20 World Cup 2026 clash against the USA in Mumbai. Despite boasting an intimidating batting lineup on paper and form, the co-hosts slipped to an embarrassing 77/6 in the 13th over.
Several batters played for untimely big shots, only to be caught inside the circle or in the deep. However, skipper Suryakumar Yadav saved Team India from the blushes with a brilliant 49-ball 84*, helping them post a competitive 161/9 in 20 overs.
Talking about India’s shambolic batting display in their T20 World Cup opener, Ramesh said on his YouTube channel:
“India did not bat to their potential. But the bowlers righted the wrong of the batters. It was purely overconfidence that led to India’s disappointing batting. Even if you are a lion with the bat, you can’t expect the opponent to just surrender to you. To conquer, you have to put in some effort.”
He added:
“Despite boasting incredible talent, India have to put in the proper effort without overdoing anything. It’s important that India doesn’t underestimate any team. If at all India slip in this World Cup, that will be the reason. But it’s good that they received a wake-up call in the very first game. India will be careful from now on, as we saw already with the ball.”
The Indian bowlers did not disappoint like the batters, restricting the USA to 132/8 and helping the side pull off a comfortable 29-run win.
“India would have been finished if Suryakumar Yadav did not perform” – Sadagoppan Ramesh
Sadaoppan Ramesh believes Suryakumar Yadav’s knock saved Team India from an unfathomable defeat to the USA in Mumbai. The skipper overcame regular wickets falling from the other end to produce a knock for the ages.
“India have intimidated so many sides recently in T20Is. But today the tables turned on them, and they were made to sweat. India would have been finished if Suryakumar Yadav did not perform. India got to 160 only because of his slow start and rapid acceleration at the end. If the USA took that catch off Surya, 160 would have been a distant dream,” said Ramesh (via the aforementioned source).
Surya’s heroics ensured India extended their winning streak in T20 World Cups to a record nine matches. The Men in Blue will look to make it 10 in a row in their second Group A clash against Namibia in Delhi on February 12.
Edited by Venkatesh Ravichandran
