Former India batsman Mohammad Kaif talked about the post-match confrontation between Kuldeep Yadav, Hardik Pandya and captain Suryakumar Yadav after the T20 World Cup 2026 game against Pakistan. Kaif said the exchange showed the comfort and honesty within the group and not any personal issue.
After the match against Pakistan, on Sunday, 15 February, R. There was some visible tension among the Indian players at the Premadasa Stadium. During the 18th over of Pakistan’s chase, Kuldeep dropped the catch of Shaheen Afridi, giving Hardik Pandya the opportunity to hit a six.
Hardik made a comeback by dismissing Usman Tariq on the last ball of the over and defended 175 runs to ensure India’s victory by 61 runs. A heated exchange was seen between Hardik and Kuldeep after Pakistan was bowled out for 114 runs in 18 overs. Kuldeep ignored Suryakumar Yadav while shaking hands after the match.
Mohammad Kaif opens up on Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya’s angry reactions towards Kuldeep Yadav
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Mohammad Kaif said that Kuldeep Yadav, Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav share a close bond and often tease each other during matches. Kaif said that Kuldeep gets disappointed with himself when things do not go his way.
Kaif said, “They are all friends. Kuldeep is that kind of character in this team, where if he is not bowling well, he gets upset with himself. Teammates also tease him at times, like saying you dropped the catch. There is no personal problem in it. In fact, it is a good thing.”
“On the field, you usually show anger only towards those you are close to and with whom you are comfortable. If you are not comfortable with someone, you are not able to express yourself fully in front of them. But Suryakumar Yadav and Rohit Sharma are comfortable with Kuldeep.”
“We have seen many times during the match that they discuss things openly. Rohit can say that it is pitched on the leg side and is not LBW, while Kuldeep insists and tries to convince him to take DRS. This kind of back-and-forth happens often.”
Suryakumar Yadav can shout on the field – Mohammad Kaif
Kaif said that Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya have exchanged sharp words with teammates during matches. He said the team environment allows players to speak openly without taking things personally and a little aggression or banter on the field is normal.
Kaif further said, “Same thing happens with Surya. On the field he can shout, ‘Hold it right, what are you doing? It is visible on camera. Even Hardik Pandya has said something to him. But there is no issue between them. There is a strong understanding inside the Indian team.’
“It really shows how good the bonding is in the team, that you can talk to each other so openly. Some players may take such comments negatively, but here it’s all in a friendly spirit. They all play together with that camaraderie.”
“Kuldeep is a big-match player for this team and everyone knows what he is capable of doing on his day. Hardik knows it, Surya knows it. So I don’t see a problem with a little bit of aggression or banter on the field. It’s just part of the game,” he said.
It is difficult to keep Kuldeep Yadav out – Mohammad Kaif
Kaif said India may make changes to their combination for the final Group A match against Netherlands in Ahmedabad on Wednesday, February 18. He said that Arshdeep Singh is likely to return to the playing eleven in place of Kuldeep Yadav. Kaif said that Kuldeep was selected because of the conditions in Colombo.
“The focus now is on the Super 8s and ultimately how to win the World Cup final and how to win the trophy. So you go back to the combinations that worked earlier in places like Mumbai and Delhi. Kuldeep played in Colombo because the pitch there was slow,” Kaif said.
“The boundaries were big and the ball was turning, so spin was effective. That’s why Arshdeep was left out. Arshdeep is an extremely capable bowler with a very strong record. But he was replaced by Kuldeep because it was the conditions and the pitch that demanded it.”
“The situation required an extra spinner. However, I think Arshdeep Singh will make a comeback now. It is difficult to leave out a player like Kuldeep because he is a quality bowler. But that is what is special about this team.”
Also read: Olympic medal mission revealed, Gautam Gambhir’s contract extension confirmed till 2028
