t20 world cup 2026 collision between super 8 India And South Africa The commentary box in Ahmedabad saw a massive turnout that had nothing to do with batting averages. Sundar PichaiCEO of Google and Alphabet Inc. joins former Indian coach Ravi Shastri During the mid-innings break on Sunday to share his lifelong passion for the game.
Google CEO Sundar Pichai reveals his cricket idol during IND vs SA Super 8 clash
Pichai, who was born in Madurai, nostalgically described himself as an avid cricket lover whose childhood was defined by the great exploits of India’s original ‘Little Master’. Sunil Gavaskar.
During his guest appearance on the broadcast, Pichai, 53, painted a vivid picture of his upbringing in a cricket-mad Indian family. He recalled his days of listening to radio commentary of matches in the West Indies, when he was often surrounded by his grandfather and grandfather. Pichai revealed that his admiration for Sunil Gavaskar was so deep that it took a physical form on his bedroom walls, serving as a daily inspiration long before he became one of the most powerful figures in the global tech industry.
“Sunny (Sunil Gavaskar) was a big idol for me. I used to have a poster of Sportstar on my wall. I have followed it since my very young days. I used to listen to it [commentary] With my grandfather, grandmother and others on the radio for games in the West Indies. I’ve always been into sports.” Pichai said.
The occasion became even more significant as Pichai was given the honor of carrying the ICC T20 World Cup trophy onto the field shoulder to shoulder with his childhood hero Sunil Gavaskar. The former India captain later reflected on their cordial relationship, saying that it was a unique experience to meet a fan who has achieved such amazing international success. According to India Today, Gavaskar shared that while walking onto the field, both men expressed a similar hope, that India’s current stars would eventually lift the silver medal at the end of the tournament.
“Well, I have met him before. Earlier, he had told me about having posters of me in his bedroom. It’s always nice to meet someone who is your fan, well-wisher, and who has done so well in his career and achieved so much in the tech world. When we were walking out with the World Cup trophy, we both said that we hope Suryakumar Yadav holds it in his hand on the 8th. And I’m sure we both are praying that that happens Yes.” Gavaskar said.
Sundar Pichai🎙️
Sunil Gavaskar was his childhood idol and he has followed cricket from a young age. He shared this during a mid-innings conversation with Ravi Shastri in the India vs South Africa Super 8 match.
Earlier, Pichai and Gavaskar unveiled the T20 World Cup trophy… pic.twitter.com/ZqHuABReHh
– . (@MaxCrik8) 22 February 2026
Sundar Pichai watches the Ahmedabad match with ICC Chairman Jay Shah
After his stint at the microphone, Pichai joins ICC as president Jai Shah It proved to be a solemn night for Indian cricket fans to see it in the spectators’ gallery. While the tech giant enjoyed the spectacle as part of Google’s association with the tournament, the action on the field favored the visitors. david miller (63) and dewald brevis (45) took South Africa to a strong score of 187/7, while India’s batting lineup faltered; Under the pressure of pursuit. Despite a star-studded support in the pavilion, India were bowled out for 111, handing the Proteas a massive 76-run win and leaving the hosts with a tough task in their remaining Super 8 fixtures.