Suryakumar Yadav, the dynamic Indian T20 captain, has made it clear that he desires a rematch against Australia in the final of the upcoming T20 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka. This ambition is fueled by the painful memory of India's defeat to Australia in the 2023 ODI World Cup final, which took place at the same venue, Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Speaking at an event in Mumbai where the schedule for the Men's T20 World Cup was unveiled, Suryakumar didn't hesitate when asked which team he'd prefer to face in the final. "Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. Australia. Definitely," he stated. He aims to avenge the loss suffered in the 2023 ODI World Cup final against the Aussies.
The rivalry between India and Australia in cricket has intensified in recent years, adding extra significance to their encounters. While many Indian cricketers and fans once dreamed of winning an ICC tournament by defeating Pakistan in the final, Suryakumar's statement reflects a shift in focus towards Australia as the ultimate opponent. He believes that overcoming a formidable team like Australia in the final would provide unparalleled satisfaction.
However, Rohit Sharma, who captained India in the 2023 ODI World Cup final and led the team to victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup, expressed a broader perspective. While acknowledging the intense rivalry with Australia, his primary wish is for India to emerge victorious in the tournament, regardless of the opponent. "I agree with Surya when he says the rivalries have changed and also that beating Australia in the final would be ideal, but my wish is for India to win the title, the opponent could be anyone," Rohit said.
India and Australia have a packed schedule in the lead-up to the T20 World Cup. In late 2025, India toured Australia for a series comprising three One Day International (ODI) and five Twenty20 International (T20I) matches. India won the T20I series 2-1. The first T20I was washed out due to rain. India responded strongly, winning the next two matches to seal the series.
Suryakumar Yadav also achieved a personal milestone during the T20I series against Australia, becoming the second Indian after Rohit Sharma to hit 150 sixes in T20Is. He reached this feat faster than any other batter from full-member nations, showcasing his exceptional hitting prowess.
Looking ahead, both India and Australia are drawn into separate groups for the 2026 T20 World Cup, increasing the anticipation of a potential clash between these two cricketing powerhouses. India finds itself in Group A, alongside Pakistan and the USA, while Australia is placed in Group B.
As the T20 World Cup 2026 approaches, Suryakumar Yadav's desire for a final showdown against Australia adds another layer of excitement to this highly anticipated tournament. The prospect of avenging the 2023 ODI World Cup defeat on home soil will undoubtedly serve as a significant motivation for the Indian team. Whether this dream matchup materializes remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the India-Australia rivalry will continue to captivate cricket fans worldwide.
