Does Suryakumar dislike the pre-seeding for Super 8s? In Ahmedabad, the captain ducks the bouncer.

During the 2026 T20 World Cup, India captain Suryakumar Yadav hinted that he didn’t like the pre-seeding system, although he didn’t fully express his opinion. Online users have been critical of the system used to choose the Super 8 groupings because they believe that the teams that finish first ultimately have no benefit. Rather of the teams’ actual group stage results, the Super 8 lineup is determined by the ICC rankings that are set prior to the competition.

As a result, the group stage is essentially reduced to a fixture-setting formality rather than a real competition. As a result, the four group winners—South Africa, Zimbabwe, India, and the West Indies—have all been assigned to the same Super Eight pool. The runners-up, on the other hand, have been assigned to what seems to be the Super Eight bracket that is comparatively easier.

Suryakumar stated that he would alter the system if he were among the decision-makers during the news conference held prior to the match against South Africa. “Sir, I don’t know anything about this pre seedings, who does it. Definitely as I also said during the last PC, if I am in that situation, I will definitely try and tweak it,” said Suryakumar.

However, when it came to playing and getting familiar to venues, the Indian skipper said that his players are well-equipped to get used to any sort of conditions due to the IPL. “See everyone has played at this venue. Whoever comes for IPL has played on all the venues,” said Suryakumar.

The ICC has cited logistical limitations as justification for the decision. Early preparation was crucial because India and Sri Lanka were co-hosting the tournament, and the governing body insists that using the pre-seeding procedure made scheduling and site allocation easier.

According to the regulatory body, pre-seeding was necessary to design venues, schedule broadcasts, secure areas, and handle fans in general.