The sting of India’s 2023 ODI World Cup final defeat to Australia in Ahmedabad continues to linger for Suryakumar Yadav. A member of Rohit Sharma’s dominant squad that won 10 straight matches before falling short in the title clash, the current India T20 captain now hopes for a chance at redemption — by facing Australia again in next year’s T20 World Cup final at the same venue.
On Tuesday, defending champions India were placed in Group A for the 2026 T20 World Cup alongside Pakistan, USA, Netherlands and Namibia. Australia, meanwhile, were drawn into Group B with Sri Lanka, Ireland, Zimbabwe and Oman.
Although India have defeated Australia twice since that heartbreaking night on November 19, 2023, the desire to beat them in a major final remains strong among players who have since claimed two ICC titles. India defeated Australia by 24 runs in the Super Eight stage of the last T20 World Cup and again by four wickets in this year’s Champions Trophy semifinal.
So when Suryakumar was asked which team he would like to face in a dream final next year, he responded instantly: “Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad — Australia.”
India Women’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur, whose team also beat Australia in the semifinal of the recent Women’s World Cup on their way to lifting the trophy, echoed Surya’s thoughts.
“Australia is the only team whom we want to beat because that's the game which stays with you,” she said during the event unveiling the tournament schedule and venues.
