India captain Suryakumar Yadav explained why he touched the pitch soil after India’s T20 World Cup 2026 final win against New Zealand, calling it a tribute to the ground that shaped his career.
India captain Suryakumar Yadav led the team to their third T20 World Cup title on March 8 after defeating New Zealand. Players celebrated the historic victory in different ways after the final. Hardik Pandya and Ishan Kishan danced on the field, while Arshdeep Singh recorded celebratory videos.
The skipper created a memorable moment during the celebrations. Suryakumar Yadav bent down and touched the pitch at the Narendra Modi Stadium. He then placed the soil on his forehead. Later, Suryakumar explained the gesture during an interview. He said the cricket pitch played a major role in his career and success.
READ ALSO | Arshdeep Singh Fined After ICC Code of Conduct Breach in T20 World Cup Final
“The feeling is very good. As soon as we won, I had it in my heart that the thing which has given me everything, my earth, the cricket pitch, which has given me so much, touching it and applying it on my forehead was very important,” Suryakumar told NDTV.
Watch the video here:
In the final match, India produced a strong performance after Mitchell Santner chose to field first. The hosts scored 255 for 5, with half-centuries from Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan. New Zealand struggled in the chase and were dismissed for 159 in 19 overs.
Jasprit Bumrah led the bowling attack and finished with 4 wickets, his best T20I figures. For NZ, Tim Seifert scored a half-century but could not change the result.
This article follows WicketWatcher’s editorial standards. Learn more in our Editorial Policy or report an issue via our Corrections Policy.