Former Team India batter Subramaniam Badrinath said that the Indian team were overconfident in their approach in the T20 World Cup 2026 match against the USA on February 7. Expected to dominate the opposition on current form, India were shockingly reduced to 77/6 in their tournament opener against the USA but skipper Suryakumar Yadav did well with a 49-ball 84* to help India post 161/9 in 20 overs. India eventually won by 29 runs.

Talking about India’s second game against Namibia, Badrinath said on his YouTube channel: “They just escaped against the USA because of a Suryakumar Yadav show. There is a very thin line between self-belief and overconfidence. India were overconfident in the match against the USA. They played careless cricket initially to become 77/6.”

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Meanwhile, former Team India pace bowler Lakshmipathy Balaji applauded Mohammed Siraj for doing well in the win against the USA.

“He (Siraj) would have had no expectations and come with a blank mind, which is an added advantage. Also, he is leading Hyderabad and playing cricket continuously, which is a huge advantage. Such cricketers will never lose rhythm. Had India picked a one-format cricketer, he would have struggled. Having miles behind his legs helped Siraj big time. He bowled well in the ODIs and played all the Test series,” said Balaji.

“So when you play this much cricket, it won’t be a surprise when suddenly called up. And you’ll always know there is an outside chance of a call-up if someone gets injured. But still it’s not easy for a fast bowler, especially in the T20 format, where you have to adapt and make decisions quicker, compared to the other formats where you have time. That’s where Siraj has to be appreciated,” he concluded.