New Delhi: Former Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Hafeez criticised Suryakumar Yadav after India’s crushing 76-run defeat against South Africa in their Super Eight opener in the T20 World Cup 2026 on Sunday. Hafeez slammed Suryakumar for his comments in the pre-match presser before Sunday’s game and advised the Indian captain to be ‘humble’.
India’s batting choked under pressure as the Men in Blue suffered a spectacular collapse while chasing a hefty target of 188 runs against the Proteas to suffer their first defeat in the T20 World Cup 2026 on Sunday. The defeat marked an end to India’s four-match unbeaten streak in the tournament while denting their chances of qualifying for the semifinals.
Suryakumar, who received intense criticism from all corners following India’s defeat, was also slammed by many for his comments and attitude in the pre-match press conference before the game in Ahmedabad. During the presser, Suryakumar had laughed off a reporter’s question regarding Sanju Samson’s inclusion in the playing XI amid Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma’s poor form.
The Indian skipper tauntingly asked the journalist if he was implying that India should drop Abhishek or Tilak for Samson. A clip of his reaction went viral on social media, inviting criticism from all corners for the Indian skipper. Hafeez too slammed the senior batter for his tone and attitude, asking him to not act like he knows it all.
“We all saw that India were totally outplayed by South Africa and the Proteas planning totally exposed their techniques and tactics. I have great respect for Surya Kumar Yadav, but at times, he talks above his weight. He needs to be humble and should not talk like that. But he thinks he is a know-it-all,” Hafeez said on a Pakistani TV show.
I’m a Suryakumar Yadav fan, but yesterday at the press conference, when a journalist asked him about Sanju Samson’s inclusion in the playing XI, he responded in a very disrespectful manner:
“That’s absolutely disgusting. Shame on you, Captain.” 😡pic.twitter.com/CNLai5MuaH
— CricSachin (@Sachin_Gandhi7) February 22, 2026
He also questioned India’s decision to drop vice-captain Axar Patel for Washington Sundar in the crucial Super Eight clash. “That was not understandable to anyone,” Hafeez said about India’s decision to drop Axar.