Following India’s commanding 61-run victory over Pakistan in theICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla expressed immense confidence
in the team’s ability to go all the way in the tournament.
India outplayed their arch-rivals in a dominant display, qualifying for the Super 8s. Reacting to the comprehensive triumph, Shukla hailed the margin of victory as a major statement to all the other teams. Shukla also emphasised the depth and balance within the Indian squad, pointing out how different players have stepped up at crucial moments throughout the campaign.
“Winning against Pakistan by such a huge margin, I think it is a huge achievement, and today I am fully confident that the way our boys played, we will win the World Cup as well,” said Shukla after the match.
“Sometimes Ishan Kishan performs, sometimes Abhishek performs, all the boys perform. So we have such a strong team that we will definitely win the World Cup,” he concluded.
Along with Shukla, former India captainRohit Sharma and ICC Chairman Jay Shah, too, were present for this blockbuster encounter in Colombo.
India’s well-rounded performances with both bat and ball have made them one of the favourites in the tournament so far. With multiple match-winners across departments, the Men in Blue appear firmly on track as the Super 8 stage approaches.
After winning their first three matches, the Suryakumar Yadav-led side currently sits at the top of the Group-A table, becoming the second team after West Indies to reach to the next stage of the competition.
It was a complete team effort by the hosts on a tricky R Premadasa wicket against Pakistan. After being invited to bat first, India scored 175/7 in their 20 overs, with left-hander Ishan Kishan proving to be the star of the show, scoring a match-winning 77 off just 40 balls. He was also adjudged the Player of the Match for this performance.
India will now take on Netherlands on February 18 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad in their last group-A fixture.
