Although the India vs Pakistan rivalry remains a flagship encounter at any ICC events, India captain Suryakumar Yadav has undervalued the importance of the neighbours.
At the schedule reveal function of the T20 World Cup 2026, Surya gave a strong message to Pakistan, omitting their name as a potential final opponent.
India and Pakistan are in the same group and will be playing their group stage encounter on February 15. But when asked who India would want as their final opponent in a hypothetical situation, Suryakumar didn't utter the arch-rivals, rather went for Australia.
"Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. Australia. Definitely," Suryakumar Yadav said to the presenter's question.
Rohit Sharma was asked the same and as the stalwart was asked, Surya
cheekily reminded Rohit to speak from the ICC point of view, as Rohit was also named the brand ambassador of the T20 World Cup next year.
"Obviously, I want India to be in the finals. I can't really put my finger on another team and say this or that. What has happened in the past has happened. I know Surya said it with a lot of passion and a heavy heart - Australia coming there and beating them in the same stadium," said Rohit.
"But I think India playing the final against any team, and India coming out on top, is what I would love to see. I'm not sure what others want, but I don't really care about the opposition, to be honest. I just prefer India to be there, and then let's see what happens," the Mumbaikar added.
India will start their campaign against USA on February 7 at the Wankhede in Mumbai, followed by a clash against Namibia in Delhi. India face Pakistan then, before concluding the group stages against Netherlands on February 18 in Ahmedabad.
