2nd T20I: Suryakumar Yadav makes bold statement on Ishan Kishan after big win

Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav said the team wants its batters to play fearlessly and express themselves, praising Ishan Kishan’s explosive strokeplay after India registered a seven-wicket victory over New Zealand in the second T20I at Raipur on Friday.

Chasing a daunting target of 209, India had a shaky start despite some assistance from the dew. Sanju Samson was dismissed for 6, while Abhishek Sharma departed without scoring, leaving the hosts struggling at 6 for 2 early in the innings. However, what followed was a stunning turnaround led by Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav.

The duo stitched together a breathtaking 122-run partnership for the third wicket in just 48 balls, completely shifting the momentum of the match. Kishan took charge early, attacking the bowlers relentlessly. He smashed 76 runs off just 32 deliveries, bringing up his half-century in only 21 balls. His innings came to an end when he mistimed a shot off Ish Sodhi and was caught off his own bowling, but the damage had already been done.

Suryakumar continued the assault, finishing unbeaten on a brilliant 82 off 37 balls, once again underlining his importance to the side as India builds towards the home T20 World Cup.

Also Read: T20 World Cup 2026: Former star questions inclusion of Ishan Kishan, Washington Sundar in India squad

Never Witnessed Such Striking: SKY

Reflecting on the partnership, Suryakumar said he had never witnessed such striking. “I didn’t know what Ishan had for lunch. I have never seen anyone hit the ball like that. This is exactly what we expect from our batters, to go out, express themselves and enjoy their game. I was upset when he didn’t give me strike during the Power-play, but I knew we had enough time. I have been batting well in the nets, spent quality time with family and friends, and I am really enjoying this phase,” he said.

India’s emphatic chase also set a new record, becoming the biggest win by balls remaining for a full-member nation while chasing a target in excess of 200. The previous record was Pakistan’s 24-ball win against New Zealand in Auckland in 2025, followed by Australia’s 23-ball victory over West Indies in Basseterre the same year.

Earlier, India’s bowlers faced challenges while defending. Arshdeep Singh endured a difficult outing, conceding 53 runs without taking a wicket. Hardik Pandya was economical, picking up one wicket for 25 runs in three overs. Harshit Rana finished with figures of 1 for 35 from three overs, including a wicket maiden. Spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy shared three wickets across eight overs, giving away 70 runs, while Shivam Dube also chipped in with a wicket.

Suryakumar acknowledged the collective bowling effort, revealing that the team had feared New Zealand could push the total beyond 225. He credited Kuldeep, Varun, Dube, and Hardik for keeping the opposition to 208. “We felt they could reach 225 or 230. The way Kuldeep, Varun, Dube, and Hardik bowled, everyone took responsibility. Restricting them below 210 was a tremendous effort,” he said.