India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav kept things light-hearted after a crushing win over New Zealand, joking that he was “angry” at Ishan Kishan for not giving him the strike in the powerplay during the second T20I in Raipur. The zinger came after a clinical chase in which Kishan’s aggressive counterattack and Surya’s own big finish powered India to 209 with more than four overs to spare.

Suryakumar’s innings was a statement — 82 off 37 balls, featuring nine fours and four sixes at a strike-rate of 221.62 — but it was Ishan who swung the momentum. Kishan, promoted into the XI as injury cover, strode in when India were 6/2 and carted the attack for 76 off 32 balls (11 fours, 4 sixes), setting the platform for a comfortable run chase. Together the pair put on a match-defining partnership after early blows.

“I was angry he didn’t give me strike in the powerplay, but that’s okay. I had some time, played eight or ten balls, and I knew that later on, when I had time, I could cover it up,” Suryakumar Yadav said with a grin during the post-match presentation, acknowledging both Kishan’s explosive start and his own chance to rebuild momentum.

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Suryakumar also praised Kishan’s fearless approach. “I don’t know what Ishan had for lunch or what pre-workout he had before the game, but I’ve never seen anyone bat at 6 for 2 in that manner and still end the powerplay around 67 or 70. I thought it was incredible,” he added, underlining how such intent is exactly what India needs when chasing 200-plus totals.

Statistically, the win was notable: it’s the joint-highest successful T20 chase for India and the first time India chased 200+ with more than four overs to spare. For Suryakumar personally, the innings felt like a release.

After a lean patch, he credited time in the nets, a family break, and focused practice for getting back on track. “I’m really enjoying what’s happening right now,” he said, signalling renewed confidence.

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India now leads the five-match series 2-0 and heads to Guwahati for the third T20I on Sunday, carrying momentum, batting depth, and a captain enjoying both jokes and match-winning form.