IND vs SA 1st T20I: Suryakumar Kumar Reflects Upon Huge Win Against South Africa In Cuttack, Says 'India Is Having A Great Run...'

IND vs SA 1st T20I: India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav was full of praise for his teammates after the hosts pulled off an incredible 101-run win over South Africa in the first T20I on Tuesday at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack. Suryakumar stated that the team was enjoying a "great run" in the format as it heads into the T20 World Cup 2026.

After being invited to bat first, India powered themselves to 175 runs for 6 wickets, on the back of a commanding knock by Hardik Pandya’s unbeaten 59 off 28 balls. In response, South African batters were left baffled when the Indian bowlers took control. Both the pacers and spinners played a key role in the win, as the hosts bowled out the visitors for just 74 runs, their lowest-ever T20I score.

During the presentation ceremony after the game, Suryakumar praised the batters, saying he did not expect the team to reach a total of 175 runs when they were struggling at 48 for 3 in 6.3 overs.

Also Read: IND vs SA 1st T20I Highlights

“At 48 for 3, and then from there getting to 175… the way Hardik batted, Axar batted, Tilak batted, and in the end Jitesh coming in, chipping in and doing his role, I think it was very important. At first, we thought we’d get to 160, but then 175 was unbelievable. With 7–8 batters, there will be days when 2–3 batters won’t have their day, but then the other 4 batters will cover it up and they did cover it up today. Maybe in the next game you’ll see someone else covering it up. That’s how T20 cricket goes, and that’s how we want everyone to play. We want everyone to be fearless and enjoy their batting. India is having a great run,” the skipper said after the match.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony after the game, Suryakumar praised the batters’ efforts saying that he had not expected the team to reach a 175-run total at the time when they had been reeling at 48-3 in 6.3 overs.

“I think Arshdeep and Bumrah were the perfect bowlers to bowl at the start. The way they were bowling when they won the toss and bowled first, the way the new ball was being bowled by them, I think Arshdeep and Bumrah were the better option. But then Hardik coming in later on, coming back from injury, it was important to take care of him as well. And the way he bowled, I’m very happy with it. I mean, batting first, 48 for 3 and then scoring about 90–91 runs from overs 7 to 15, and then finishing with 40–44 runs in the last five overs to get to 175… I think it was really, really commendable. The way we bowled, the amount of options we had, I think 175 was quite decent,” he added.

Inputs from Agency