'Haath nahi chorna, saath nahi chorna': Axar Patel reveals Team India Captain Suryakumar Yadav’s motivational mantra inspired by Aamir Khan starrer's 'Dhoom 3'

India's successful ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 campaign was built on strong performances, calm leadership and a message that kept the squad united. All-rounder Axar Patel has now revealed that captain Suryakumar Yadav repeatedly used a special phrase throughout the tournament to motivate the players.Speaking in a recent interview, Axar said the slogan became a constant reminder for the team to stay together during difficult moments. According to him, the words were heard frequently in team meetings and huddles during the World Cup.As reported by The Freepress Journal, the phrase used by Suryakumar was, "Haath nahi chorna, saath nahi chorna." Axar explained that the captain relied on these words whenever the team faced pressure during a match.

According to the all-rounder, the slogan gradually became a rallying cry for the entire squad. It reminded the players to support each other and remain united, regardless of the situation on the field.

Axar said that Suryakumar often repeated the line during team huddles, especially when the match was entering a tense phase. The message, he added, helped maintain belief within the dressing room.

Signed jersey reveals the message

During the interview, Axar showed the host a Team India jersey signed by every member of the World Cup-winning squad.

The host noticed a handwritten slogan in the top corner of the jersey and asked who had written it. The inscription read, "Haath nahi chorna, saath nahi chorna." When asked about the author, Axar replied, "The one whose name is written below." The slogan had been written by Suryakumar Yadav himself, with his autograph appearing directly beneath it.

The jersey offered a glimpse into the team culture that developed during India's title-winning campaign.

India's dominant World Cup triumph

India's faith in that message was rewarded with a remarkable run throughout the tournament. The team remained unbeaten and produced several commanding performances on its way to the final. In the championship match, India defeated New Zealand by 96 runs to lift the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 trophy. The convincing victory capped off a memorable campaign and gave Indian fans another major global cricket title to celebrate.

Connection to the film 'Dhoom 3'

The phrase has also attracted attention because it is widely recognised as a dialogue from Aamir Khan's film 'Dhoom 3'. However, it is still not known whether Suryakumar deliberately borrowed the dialogue from the film or simply adopted it as a motivational message for the team. Neither the captain nor the team management has clarified its origin.