The Indian cricket team had its fair share of superstitions during their title-winning 2026 T20 World Cup campaign. The victory in the final against New Zealand also saw them successfully defend their title, which they clinched in the 2024 edition. Fresh off the victory in Ahmedabad, India captain Suryakumar Yadav revealed that his team changed hotels ahead of the semifinal game vs England after someone suggested it.
India's captain Suryakumar Yadav during celebrations after winning the T20 World Cup 2026 title at Narendra Modi Stadium, in Ahmedabad. (PTI)
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"We were on the flight to Wankhede for the semi-final when someone suggested we try a hotel change. Many teams have done it. We didn’t want to leave anything on the table that could take us closer to our goal. So if someone has won from there, let’s try it," he said, while speaking to The Indian Express.
Due to the lunar eclipse, the Indian team also had to reschedule their practice session ahead of the semifinal in Mumbai. The hosts also broke the streak of losing ICC events at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
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"People were saying India don’t win in Ahmedabad… this after the 2023 final. But look at it now. We’ve won there, in that same stadium. Now we know there’s no problem with the stadium," Suryakumar said.
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"People were saying India don’t win in Ahmedabad… this after the 2023 final. But look at it now. We’ve won there, in that same stadium. Now we know there’s no problem with the stadium," Suryakumar said.
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The T20 World Cup final was a one-sided affair, with India thrashing New Zealand. Defending a target of 256 runs, Jasprit Bumrah's 4/15 saw India bowl out the visitors for 159 in 19 overs. Meanwhile, Axar Patel took three wickets.
Initially, Sanju Samson's 46-ball 89 took India to 255/5 in 20 overs. Meanwhile, Ishan Kishan (54) and Abhishek Sharma (52) got half-centuries. Samson finished as India's top runscorer in the tournament and third overall in the tournament, with 321 runs in five matches at an average of 80.25.
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Meanwhile, Kishan finished his campaign as India's second-highest runscorer with 317 runs in nine matches at an average of 35.22. In the bowling front, Bumrah ended the tournament as the highest wicket-taker with 14 dismissals in eight matches, at an economy rate of 6.21.
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results.
A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.
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Home/Cricket/Suryakumar Yadav recalls India’s hotel switch superstition, opens up on breaking Ahmedabad curse in T20 World Cup
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