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Discover the top 5 Indian batters who powered India to the T20 World Cup 2026 title. From Sanju Samson’s record-breaking 321 runs to Ishan Kishan’s X-factor knocks and Suryakumar Yadav’s leadership, see the full stats and impact of India's champions.

<p>Discover the top 5 Indian batters who powered India to the T20 World Cup 2026 title. From Sanju Samson’s record-breaking 321 runs to Ishan Kishan’s X-factor knocks and Suryakumar Yadav’s leadership, see the full stats and impact of India's champions.</p>

Meet 5 Indian batters with most runs in T20 World Cup 2026

<p>Sri Lanka has made some significant announcements following the conclusion of the T20 World Cup 2026. While they named former World Cup-winning coach (with India) Gary Kirsten as their new head coach, replacing Sanath Jayasuriya, who quit following Sri Lanka’s sorry home campaign, the SLC scrapped the forthcoming Afghanistan series in the UAE over the raging West Asia conflict. Sri Lanka announced Kirsten’s appointment on Monday (Mar 9), signing him on a two-year contract, even though Jayasuriya’s contract was not set to expire until June end.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The former South African opener, Kirsten, previously served as India coach from 2008 to 2011, and as South Africa coach from 2011 to 2013. His appointment was part of Sri Lanka's ‘efforts to revamp the structure of the National High-Performance Centre’ responsible for training elite players, the board said in a statement.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-dhurandhars-flaunt-dominance-as-india-rewrite-t20-dynasty-with-triumphant-campaign-in-ahmedabad-new-zealand-world-cup-final-96-runs-1773072033030"><strong>Cricket's ‘Dhurandhars’ flaunt dominance as India rewrite T20 dynasty with triumphant campaign</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"I will be overall in charge of training and will continue to work with the team," Jayasuriya said in a chat with AFP.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Jayasuriya was appointed coach in July 2024. He is one of Sri Lanka's greatest cricketers, playing 586 internationals, scoring 42 centuries and taking 440 wickets between 1989 and 2011.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Meanwhile, Sri Lanka co-hosted the T20 World Cup with eventual winners India but crashed out at the Super Eights stage, their fate sealed by a 61-run defeat to New Zealand.</p><h2>SL postpone AFG series in UAE</h2><p>Sri Lanka have indefinitely postponed a six-match white-ball series against Afghanistan that was due to start in the United Arab Emirates this week, an official said on Monday.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"We had to cancel because of the flight situation... and the ongoing fighting in the region," a Sri Lanka Cricket official told AFP.</p><p>The teams were scheduled to play three T20 internationals in Sharjah on March 13, 15 and 17, and three one-day internationals in Dubai on March 20, 22 and 25.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>It would have been the first time that Afghanistan had hosted Sri Lanka for a bilateral series.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Fighting has spread across the Middle East since the United States and Israel attacked Iran on February 28, with Tehran launching retaliatory strikes.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The conflict has disrupted flights across the region, including in Dubai, where the airport was briefly closed on Saturday as Iran fired drones and missiles at targets across the Gulf. War-ravaged Afghanistan has never hosted an international cricket match, instead having to play its home fixtures in India or the UAE.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><i>(With inputs from AFP)</i></p>

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) appoints World Cup-winner Gary Kirsten as head coach, replacing Sanath Jayasuriya. Plus, the SLC cancels the Afghanistan series in the UAE due to the escalating West Asia conflict. Get the full details on the coaching revamp and tour postponement.

Sri Lanka has made some significant announcements following the conclusion of the T20 World Cup 2026. While they named former World Cup-winning coach (with India) Gary Kirsten as their new head coach, replacing Sanath Jayasuriya, who quit following Sri Lanka’s sorry home campaign, the SLC scrapped the forthcoming Afghanistan series in the UAE over the raging West Asia conflict. Sri Lanka announced Kirsten’s appointment on Monday (Mar 9), signing him on a two-year contract, even though Jayasuriya’s contract was not set to expire until June end. The former South African opener, Kirsten, previously served as India coach from 2008 to 2011, and as South Africa coach from 2011 to 2013. His appointment was part of Sri Lanka's ‘efforts to revamp the structure of the National High-Performance Centre’ responsible for training elite players, the board said in a statement. Also read | Cricket's ‘Dhurandhars’ flaunt dominance as India rewrite T20 dynasty with triumphant campaign "I will be overall in charge of training and will continue to work with the team," Jayasuriya said in a chat with AFP. Jayasuriya was appointed coach in July 2024. He is one of Sri Lanka's greatest cricketers, playing 586 internationals, scoring 42 centuries and taking 440 wickets between 1989 and 2011. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka co-hosted the T20 World Cup with eventual winners India but crashed out at the Super Eights stage, their fate sealed by a 61-run defeat to New Zealand. SL postpone AFG series in UAE Sri Lanka have indefinitely postponed a six-match white-ball series against Afghanistan that was due to start in the United Arab Emirates this week, an official said on Monday. "We had to cancel because of the flight situation... and the ongoing fighting in the region," a Sri Lanka Cricket official told AFP. The teams were scheduled to play three T20 internationals in Sharjah on March 13, 15 and 17, and three one-day internationals in Dubai on March 20, 22 and 25. It would have been the first time that Afghanistan had hosted Sri Lanka for a bilateral series. Fighting has spread across the Middle East since the United States and Israel attacked Iran on February 28, with Tehran launching retaliatory strikes. The conflict has disrupted flights across the region, including in Dubai, where the airport was briefly closed on Saturday as Iran fired drones and missiles at targets across the Gulf. War-ravaged Afghanistan has never hosted an international cricket match, instead having to play its home fixtures in India or the UAE. (With inputs from AFP)

<p>Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) appoints World Cup-winner Gary Kirsten as head coach, replacing Sanath Jayasuriya. Plus, the SLC cancels the Afghanistan series in the UAE due to the escalating West Asia conflict. Get the full details on the coaching revamp and tour postponement.</p>

Sri Lanka name Gary Kirsten as new head coach; scrap AFG series amid West Asia conflict

<p>From Ahmedabad to history books, it was all about the Men in Blue and their blunt, brutal dominance in world cricket. India recently clinched its record third T20 World Cup title, the most by any team, and rewrote its T20 dynasty following a triumphant campaign. What was more beautiful than watching a bunch of hungry, motivated and skilled champions sip their winning champagne was them doing it at the venue, which broke a billion hearts in November 2023. Seeking redemption since then, this T20I unit delivered the winning punch by 96 runs to enter the history books.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>India rewrote the record books in a single night. They became the first team in 19 years to defend the title, the first to win it on home soil, and the first to reach a 'Triple Crown' of three T20 World Cups. The ‘Dhurandhars’ of Ahmedabad left no stone unturned to maximise the team’s potential and win the trophy they were always bound to, which, even the best of the teams knew from the beginning.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Over the last four ICC tournaments since the start of the 2023 ODI World Cup, Team India has dominated white-ball cricket for fun, winning 31 of the 33 contested matches, including three trophies. While the heartbreaking loss to Australia in the final of the home edition still haunts Indian cricket and its countless fans, winning two T20 World Cups under different captain-coach pair and in separate conditions, not to forget the Champions Trophy title last year, cements India’s place at the top in world cricket.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Although its naysayers have their reasons to pull it down, the Indian white-ball teams, like ‘Dhurandhars’, know a way to stand up and punch in the face of defeat.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In the past two years or so, India won the T20 World Cup in the Americas without losing a game, the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in the UAE, a multilateral tournament – Asia Cup later that year, and six months later, its third T20 WC crown in the Asian conditions.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Those who have enjoyed watching the West Indies and Australian dominance years ago, when the two teams used to stand like a rock between their opponents and their will to win, are also witnessing India setting a similar narrative in this new-age cricket.</p><h2>Aura farming in cricket</h2><p>India has always produced 'God-level' batters, but it has rarely possessed a battery of match-winning all-rounders. Enter Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, and Axar Patel—the trio that stole crunch moments and tore through opposition game plans. The three best game-changers enjoyed their time tearing into oppositions and stealing winning moments for India. While the record books might never scream their names loudly, the fans are aware of their contributions and the impact they made in crunch games.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In Ahmedabad on Sunday, India mauled the Kiwis. After being sent out to bat first, India broke most records to register the third-highest team total (255/7) in the competition’s history, and the highest in the T20 World Cup final, with Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma powering India to 92 inside the Powerplay alone. Handy contributions propelled them to a match-winning total, before Axar’s twin strike within the first six overs broke New Zealand’s back. &nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Although the Kiwis had this little phase, where they enjoyed finding gaps and scored runs, facing Jasprit Bumrah at the death sealed theirs and the finale’s fate, as the ‘greatest modern-day bowler’ tore into its tail to finish with four wickets for 15 runs in four overs.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Abhishek, who just found form in time, hammered the final nail in the coffin to help India win the T20 World Cup 2026 by 96 runs.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>With a talent pool this deep and a mindset this clinical, India’s white-ball dominance isn't just a phase—it’s the new world order. For now, the rest of the cricketing world is just playing in India's backyard.</p>

From the heartbreak of 2023 to the glory of 2026: India’s ‘Dhurandhars’ dismantle New Zealand in Ahmedabad to clinch a record 3rd T20 World Cup title. Explore how the Men in Blue cemented a T20 dynasty with a brutal 96-run victory on home soil.

From Ahmedabad to history books, it was all about the Men in Blue and their blunt, brutal dominance in world cricket. India recently clinched its record third T20 World Cup title, the most by any team, and rewrote its T20 dynasty following a triumphant campaign. What was more beautiful than watching a bunch of hungry, motivated and skilled champions sip their winning champagne was them doing it at the venue, which broke a billion hearts in November 2023. Seeking redemption since then, this T20I unit delivered the winning punch by 96 runs to enter the history books. India rewrote the record books in a single night. They became the first team in 19 years to defend the title, the first to win it on home soil, and the first to reach a 'Triple Crown' of three T20 World Cups. The ‘Dhurandhars’ of Ahmedabad left no stone unturned to maximise the team’s potential and win the trophy they were always bound to, which, even the best of the teams knew from the beginning. Over the last four ICC tournaments since the start of the 2023 ODI World Cup, Team India has dominated white-ball cricket for fun, winning 31 of the 33 contested matches, including three trophies. While the heartbreaking loss to Australia in the final of the home edition still haunts Indian cricket and its countless fans, winning two T20 World Cups under different captain-coach pair and in separate conditions, not to forget the Champions Trophy title last year, cements India’s place at the top in world cricket. Although its naysayers have their reasons to pull it down, the Indian white-ball teams, like ‘Dhurandhars’, know a way to stand up and punch in the face of defeat. In the past two years or so, India won the T20 World Cup in the Americas without losing a game, the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in the UAE, a multilateral tournament – Asia Cup later that year, and six months later, its third T20 WC crown in the Asian conditions. Those who have enjoyed watching the West Indies and Australian dominance years ago, when the two teams used to stand like a rock between their opponents and their will to win, are also witnessing India setting a similar narrative in this new-age cricket. Aura farming in cricket India has always produced 'God-level' batters, but it has rarely possessed a battery of match-winning all-rounders. Enter Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, and Axar Patel—the trio that stole crunch moments and tore through opposition game plans. The three best game-changers enjoyed their time tearing into oppositions and stealing winning moments for India. While the record books might never scream their names loudly, the fans are aware of their contributions and the impact they made in crunch games. In Ahmedabad on Sunday, India mauled the Kiwis. After being sent out to bat first, India broke most records to register the third-highest team total (255/7) in the competition’s history, and the highest in the T20 World Cup final, with Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma powering India to 92 inside the Powerplay alone. Handy contributions propelled them to a match-winning total, before Axar’s twin strike within the first six overs broke New Zealand’s back. Although the Kiwis had this little phase, where they enjoyed finding gaps and scored runs, facing Jasprit Bumrah at the death sealed theirs and the finale’s fate, as the ‘greatest modern-day bowler’ tore into its tail to finish with four wickets for 15 runs in four overs. Abhishek, who just found form in time, hammered the final nail in the coffin to help India win the T20 World Cup 2026 by 96 runs. With a talent pool this deep and a mindset this clinical, India’s white-ball dominance isn't just a phase—it’s the new world order. For now, the rest of the cricketing world is just playing in India's backyard.

<p>From the heartbreak of 2023 to the glory of 2026: India’s ‘Dhurandhars’ dismantle New Zealand in Ahmedabad to clinch a record 3rd T20 World Cup title. Explore how the Men in Blue cemented a T20 dynasty with a brutal 96-run victory on home soil.</p>

Cricket's ‘Dhurandhars’ flaunt dominance as India rewrite T20 dynasty with triumphant campaign

<p>India’s big victory in the 2026 T20 World Cup final led to strong reactions around the world, especially in Pakistan. Former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar made a controversial comment, saying India’s dominance has “ruined cricket.” In the final, India comfortably defeated New Zealand by 96 runs at Narendra Modi Stadium and the win gave India their third T20 World Cup title. Many cricket experts praised India for their excellent performance, but Akhtar shared a different view during the Tapmad show Game On Hai.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>He compared India to a wealthy child controlling a neighborhood cricket match. According to him, it is like a rich kid inviting poorer children to play and deciding the rules. He suggested that India chooses a small group of teams, competes among them and then claims victory, which he believes has harmed the spirit of the game.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>'It’s like when there’s one rich kid in a neighbourhood who calls all the poor kids and says, ‘Come, let’s play cricket.’</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>That’s exactly what India is doing with us. Out of eight teams, they keep four, and out of those four they call three again and move forward, and then they say, ‘See, I’ve won.’ They have ruined cricket entirely,” Akhtar said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read - </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/was-samson-s-career-on-the-line-gambhir-praises-sanju-for-showing-character-courage-in-india-s-t20-triumph-1773061737299"><strong>Was Samson’s career on the line? Gambhir praises Sanju for showing character, courage in India’s T20 triumph</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Interestingly, Akhtar had a different opinion before the final. He said India were the favourites to win but hoped New Zealand would take the title “for the sake of cricket.” He also mentioned that India might feel the pressure of expectations from their large population. Even so, he believed India still had the best chance to win.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“I feel New Zealand might be bogged down in front of India, but India also have the pressure of 1.5 billion people. They have already lost a match in the World Cup final to Australia in Ahmedabad. I see India as the winner out of all this, but for cricket's sake, it's high time New Zealand won this World Cup,” he had said earlier.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Despite his criticism, Akhtar acknowledged one key reason behind India’s success and praised head coach Gautam Gambhir for standing by his players during difficult times. Akhtar said that such trust and support from a coach can help a team perform better in big tournaments.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>By beating New Zealand in Ahmedabad, India’s victory created history, as they became the first team to successfully defend the Men’s T20 World Cup title, the first to win the tournament three times and the first to lift the trophy on home soil.</p>

Despite his criticism, Akhtar acknowledged one key reason behind India’s success and praised head coach Gautam Gambhir for standing by his players during difficult times. 

India’s big victory in the 2026 T20 World Cup final led to strong reactions around the world, especially in Pakistan. Former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar made a controversial comment, saying India’s dominance has “ruined cricket.” In the final, India comfortably defeated New Zealand by 96 runs at Narendra Modi Stadium and the win gave India their third T20 World Cup title. Many cricket experts praised India for their excellent performance, but Akhtar shared a different view during the Tapmad show Game On Hai. He compared India to a wealthy child controlling a neighborhood cricket match. According to him, it is like a rich kid inviting poorer children to play and deciding the rules. He suggested that India chooses a small group of teams, competes among them and then claims victory, which he believes has harmed the spirit of the game. 'It’s like when there’s one rich kid in a neighbourhood who calls all the poor kids and says, ‘Come, let’s play cricket.’ That’s exactly what India is doing with us. Out of eight teams, they keep four, and out of those four they call three again and move forward, and then they say, ‘See, I’ve won.’ They have ruined cricket entirely,” Akhtar said. Also Read - Was Samson’s career on the line? Gambhir praises Sanju for showing character, courage in India’s T20 triumph Interestingly, Akhtar had a different opinion before the final. He said India were the favourites to win but hoped New Zealand would take the title “for the sake of cricket.” He also mentioned that India might feel the pressure of expectations from their large population. Even so, he believed India still had the best chance to win. “I feel New Zealand might be bogged down in front of India, but India also have the pressure of 1.5 billion people. They have already lost a match in the World Cup final to Australia in Ahmedabad. I see India as the winner out of all this, but for cricket's sake, it's high time New Zealand won this World Cup,” he had said earlier. Despite his criticism, Akhtar acknowledged one key reason behind India’s success and praised head coach Gautam Gambhir for standing by his players during difficult times. Akhtar said that such trust and support from a coach can help a team perform better in big tournaments. By beating New Zealand in Ahmedabad, India’s victory created history, as they became the first team to successfully defend the Men’s T20 World Cup title, the first to win the tournament three times and the first to lift the trophy on home soil.

<p>Despite his criticism, Akhtar acknowledged one key reason behind India’s success and praised head coach Gautam Gambhir for standing by his players during difficult times.&nbsp;</p>

‘India have ruined cricket’: Shoaib Akhtar reacts to India’s historic T20 World Cup triumph

<p>Sanju Samson admitted feeling broke and clueless about his India career after a miserable New Zealand T20I series just before the World Cup; however, <a href="When ‘God of Cricket’ came to Samson’s rescue: ‘Long conversations with Tendulkar helped me’">conversations with seniors, including legendary Sachin Tendulkar</a>, helped him stay focused, which eventually reaped rewards. Samson finished as the third-highest run-scorer with 321 runs in five outings, including three match-winning scores: 97* (vs WI) and 89 twice against England and New Zealand in the semifinal and the final, respectively. Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir acknowledged Samson’s shot at redemption while revealing the opener’s uncertain future amid shallow form.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>During the five-match T20Is against New Zealand at home, Samson scored just 46 runs, putting up a horrendous show with the bat. Those numbers jeopardised his place in the playing XI as the management opted for Ishan Kishan to replace him at the top for the showpiece event. However, as destiny had it, Abhishek’s poor run with the bat and Rinku Singh’s sudden absence during that time saw Samson returning to the scheme of things.&nbsp;<br>The coach and captain recalled him to the playing XI for India’s second Super 8 fixture, a change that escalated the team’s chances of defending its T20 crown.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Samson’s breakthrough moment came during the West Indies game in the virtual knockout, where his unbeaten 97 helped India complete their highest successful run chase and qualify for the semifinal. Against England in the marquee semis tie in Mumbai, Samson smashed a brilliant 89, powering India to 253 for seven in the first innings. After narrowly beating England by just seven runs in perhaps the match of the tournament, Samson eyed a blockbuster show in the summit clash to finish the T20 WC on a high.</p><h3>‘Sanju is special’</h3><p>Much to everyone’s excitement, he did so, whacking another masterful 89 against the Kiwis, his third successive fifty in this T20 World Cup. Gambhir, who sat on the sidelines and witnessed such carnage unfold on three different occasions, showered praises on the Player of the Tournament. While addressing a comparison in the post-match presser on whether Samson’s knocks reminded him of Yuvraj Singh’s 2011 World Cup showing, Gambhir said,<br>&nbsp;</p><p>“Look, it's not fair to compare two people. I think Sanju, what he's done… see, again, Sanju did that three in a row, three in a row doing it and especially after coming back from the kind of form that he was in. You know, it takes so much of character and courage where you know that maybe your career is on the line,” the Indian coach said.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>“Even if the captain and I can show as much faith, trust, everything in him, deep inside you know that obviously you didn't have a great series against New Zealand before the start of the World Cup, and then you didn't start on the playing level during the World Cup. Then making a comeback like that and playing those kinds of innings with that kind of, what, strike rate or with that kind of flamboyance… You need to have a special player, you need to be a special talent,” he continued.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>While concluding his assessment on Samson, Gambhir said, “It was never about doubting his talent. He just had to go out there and be as free as he wanted to be. That is what he has shown to everyone. When you start believing in yourself, I think nothing matters to you apart from that.”</p>

With 321 runs and a Player of the Tournament trophy, Sanju Samson has silenced his critics. Explore the story behind his three consecutive fifties in the 2026 T20 World Cup and why Gautam Gambhir believes his career was on the line.

Sanju Samson admitted feeling broke and clueless about his India career after a miserable New Zealand T20I series just before the World Cup; however, conversations with seniors, including legendary Sachin Tendulkar, helped him stay focused, which eventually reaped rewards. Samson finished as the third-highest run-scorer with 321 runs in five outings, including three match-winning scores: 97* (vs WI) and 89 twice against England and New Zealand in the semifinal and the final, respectively. Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir acknowledged Samson’s shot at redemption while revealing the opener’s uncertain future amid shallow form. During the five-match T20Is against New Zealand at home, Samson scored just 46 runs, putting up a horrendous show with the bat. Those numbers jeopardised his place in the playing XI as the management opted for Ishan Kishan to replace him at the top for the showpiece event. However, as destiny had it, Abhishek’s poor run with the bat and Rinku Singh’s sudden absence during that time saw Samson returning to the scheme of things. The coach and captain recalled him to the playing XI for India’s second Super 8 fixture, a change that escalated the team’s chances of defending its T20 crown. Samson’s breakthrough moment came during the West Indies game in the virtual knockout, where his unbeaten 97 helped India complete their highest successful run chase and qualify for the semifinal. Against England in the marquee semis tie in Mumbai, Samson smashed a brilliant 89, powering India to 253 for seven in the first innings. After narrowly beating England by just seven runs in perhaps the match of the tournament, Samson eyed a blockbuster show in the summit clash to finish the T20 WC on a high. ‘Sanju is special’ Much to everyone’s excitement, he did so, whacking another masterful 89 against the Kiwis, his third successive fifty in this T20 World Cup. Gambhir, who sat on the sidelines and witnessed such carnage unfold on three different occasions, showered praises on the Player of the Tournament. While addressing a comparison in the post-match presser on whether Samson’s knocks reminded him of Yuvraj Singh’s 2011 World Cup showing, Gambhir said, “Look, it's not fair to compare two people. I think Sanju, what he's done… see, again, Sanju did that three in a row, three in a row doing it and especially after coming back from the kind of form that he was in. You know, it takes so much of character and courage where you know that maybe your career is on the line,” the Indian coach said. “Even if the captain and I can show as much faith, trust, everything in him, deep inside you know that obviously you didn't have a great series against New Zealand before the start of the World Cup, and then you didn't start on the playing level during the World Cup. Then making a comeback like that and playing those kinds of innings with that kind of, what, strike rate or with that kind of flamboyance… You need to have a special player, you need to be a special talent,” he continued. While concluding his assessment on Samson, Gambhir said, “It was never about doubting his talent. He just had to go out there and be as free as he wanted to be. That is what he has shown to everyone. When you start believing in yourself, I think nothing matters to you apart from that.”

<p>With 321 runs and a Player of the Tournament trophy, Sanju Samson has silenced his critics. Explore the story behind his three consecutive fifties in the 2026 T20 World Cup and why Gautam Gambhir believes his career was on the line.</p>

Was Samson’s career on the line? Gambhir praises Sanju for showing character, courage in India’s T20 triumph

From Sanju Samson to Ishan Kishan, here's a look at the top five Indian batters with most runs in T20 World Cup 2026. This list also includes Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube and Hardik Pandya

<p>From Sanju Samson to Ishan Kishan, here's a look at the top five Indian batters with most runs in T20 World Cup 2026. This list also includes Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube and Hardik Pandya</p>

Meet top 5 Indian batters with most runs in T20 World Cup 2026

<p>Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir responded to his former captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/-intensity-with-smile-is-ms-dhoni-s-post-for-coach-gautam-gambhir-after-t20-world-cup-2026-win-breaks-internet-1773026903890">MS Dhoni’s viral social media post congratulating the Indian Team</a> for winning the T20 World Cup 2026 by beating New Zealand in a lop-sided contest. Gambhir’s guidance helped the tournament’s co-hosts defend their T20 crown, becoming the first team to do so, while winning it at home, and more importantly, three times, the most by any side. With Gambhir receiving his credits, Dhoni also acknowledged it, but in his own way, and his former opener was quick to respond, winning the internet.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Dhoni and Gambhir were never best of friends, but they gelled together as teammates and helped India win countless matches, including the most significant one – the 2011 ODI World Cup final against Sri Lanka. While Gautam top-scored for India on that day, hitting a match-winning 97, MS Dhoni’s unbeaten 91 sealed the famous win for India. Considering Gautam’s earlier remarks on Dhoni’s match-winning six, which was widely considered as the best moment of that tournament, his latest reply to Dhoni’s ‘organic’ social media post suggests that the tensions have evaporated with time.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-win-t20-wc-2026-never-mattered-to-me-says-coach-gambhir-on-players-mentality-after-record-title-win-1773018781158"><strong>INDIA WIN T20 WC 2026 | 'Never mattered to me,' coach Gambhir lauds players' mentality after record title win</strong></a><br>&nbsp;</p><p>Taking to his Instagram handle to post a congratulatory message for the winning Indian Team, Dhoni spared a thought for the team coach Gambhir, suggesting that he should keep wearing the smile as it looks good on him. Dhoni wrote, “History gets created at Ahmedabad,big congratulations to the team and support staff and to all the fans of Indian Cricket Team worldwide.such a pleasure to see all of u play. Coach Sahab (Sir) smile looks great on u, intensity with smile is a killer combo, very well done.enjoy guys. BUMRAH ke baare mein kuch na likhoon tou hi acha hai (better not to write anything about Bumrah.CHAMPION BOWLER.”</p>

<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DVotK2dDvCe/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DVotK2dDvCe/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; 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<h3>Gautam’s subtle reply</h3><p>Replying to his former captain’s remarks, Gautam wrote, “And what a reason to smile, great seeing you!”</p>

Gambhir's reply to MS Dhoni

<p>Dhoni was there at the Narendra Modi Stadium, sharing space with former Indian captains like Kapil Dev and Rohit Sharma, while spending a good time in the VVIP stands with the ICC chairman Jay Shah and others. Having earlier graced the occasion with Rohit, as the two carried out the coveted T20 World Cup trophy before the toss, Dhoni was seen enjoying his time watching India maul New Zealand for fun.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Clips of Dhoni enjoying the game are available on the internet, with Gambhir also acknowledging Dhoni's presence and best wishes to the Indian Team for its unparalleled success.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Following India's historic 2026 T20 World Cup win in Ahmedabad, see the rare and heartwarming exchange between Gautam Gambhir and MS Dhoni that has gone viral. From their 2011 heroics to defending the T20 crown, explore how these two legends celebrated India’s record 3rd title.

Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir responded to his former captain MS Dhoni’s viral social media post congratulating the Indian Team for winning the T20 World Cup 2026 by beating New Zealand in a lop-sided contest. Gambhir’s guidance helped the tournament’s co-hosts defend their T20 crown, becoming the first team to do so, while winning it at home, and more importantly, three times, the most by any side. With Gambhir receiving his credits, Dhoni also acknowledged it, but in his own way, and his former opener was quick to respond, winning the internet. Dhoni and Gambhir were never best of friends, but they gelled together as teammates and helped India win countless matches, including the most significant one – the 2011 ODI World Cup final against Sri Lanka. While Gautam top-scored for India on that day, hitting a match-winning 97, MS Dhoni’s unbeaten 91 sealed the famous win for India. Considering Gautam’s earlier remarks on Dhoni’s match-winning six, which was widely considered as the best moment of that tournament, his latest reply to Dhoni’s ‘organic’ social media post suggests that the tensions have evaporated with time. Also read | INDIA WIN T20 WC 2026 | 'Never mattered to me,' coach Gambhir lauds players' mentality after record title win Taking to his Instagram handle to post a congratulatory message for the winning Indian Team, Dhoni spared a thought for the team coach Gambhir, suggesting that he should keep wearing the smile as it looks good on him. Dhoni wrote, “History gets created at Ahmedabad,big congratulations to the team and support staff and to all the fans of Indian Cricket Team worldwide.such a pleasure to see all of u play. Coach Sahab (Sir) smile looks great on u, intensity with smile is a killer combo, very well done.enjoy guys. BUMRAH ke baare mein kuch na likhoon tou hi acha hai (better not to write anything about Bumrah.CHAMPION BOWLER.”

<p>Following India's historic 2026 T20 World Cup win in Ahmedabad, see the rare and heartwarming exchange between Gautam Gambhir and MS Dhoni that has gone viral. From their 2011 heroics to defending the T20 crown, explore how these two legends celebrated India’s record 3rd title.</p>

‘Great seeing you’: Gautam Gambhir’s reply to MS Dhoni’s viral congratulatory post

From Kapil Dev’s 1983 miracle to Suryakumar Yadav’s 2026 dominance in Ahmedabad, meet the "Golden Five." Explore the full list of Indian captains who have led the Men in Blue to ICC glory, including MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma.

<p>The Men in Blue created history with their record 3rd T20 World Cup against New Zealand in Ahmedabad on Sunday, and while Suryakumar Yadav is the latest captain to win a men’s ICC title, let’s check the full list of Indian skippers who won an ICC trophy.</p>

India’s Golden Five | List of Indian captains to win men’s ICC titles

From Jasprit Bumrah to Varun Chakaravarthy, here's a look at the top five bowlers with most wickets in T20 World Cup 2026. This list also includes SC van Schalkwyk, Blessing Muzarabani and Adil Rashid

<p>From Jasprit Bumrah to Varun Chakaravarthy, here's a look at the top five bowlers with most wickets in T20 World Cup 2026. This list also includes SC van Schalkwyk, Blessing Muzarabani and Adil Rashid</p>

Meet top 5 bowlers with most wickets in T20 World Cup 2026

From Sahibzada Farhan to Tim Seifert, here's a look at the top five batters with most runs in T20 World Cup 2026. This list also includes Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan and Finn Allen

<p>From Sahibzada Farhan to Tim Seifert, here's a look at the top five batters with most runs in T20 World Cup 2026. This list also includes Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan and Finn Allen</p>

Meet top 5 batters with most runs in T20 World Cup 2026

<p>Even though Arshdeep Singh did not take a wicket in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 final, he still grabbed attention after the match with his funny social media videos. After India defeated New Zealand by 96 runs, Arshdeep shared several entertaining clips on his Instagram. India had earlier posted 255 while batting first, before bowling New Zealand out for 159 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad to seal their third T20 World Cup title.</p><h3>Arshdeep’s reels go viral</h3><p>Arshdeep, known for his humour other than his lethal fast bowling, recorded fun moments with his teammates while the team was celebrating the big win. In one video with Sanju Samson, who was named Player of the Tournament, Arshdeep jokingly said, “Justice mil gaya” (We got justice). The comment was a playful reference to Samson’s fans, who had long demanded that he get more consistent opportunities in the team.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Arshdeep also approached India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir and jokingly asked him to smile sometimes. Gambhir laughed and responded with the phrase “Singh is King,” teasing Arshdeep back. The pacer continued making similar fun videos with other Indian players as well.</p>

<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVogw-Xk3CK/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVogw-Xk3CK/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; 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<h3>Varun’s dance steals attention</h3><p>Another moment that quickly went viral featured Varun Chakravarthy celebrating in his own style. The spinner performed a joyful dance while holding the trophy, moving his legs excitedly as his teammates celebrated around him. The commentators covering the match were also heard laughing as they watched his celebration.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">varun chakaravarthy smiling, laughing, dancing i have seen everything 😭 <a href="https://t.co/Iq3hN93SOs">pic.twitter.com/Iq3hN93SOs</a></p>&mdash; s (@_Lazy_being) <a href="https://twitter.com/_Lazy_being/status/2030716643207479751?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>Meanwhile, India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav shared a humorous post on X. He reposted a 12-year-old tweet of himself with an old picture and wrote, “So happy for this guy today,” joking about how far he had come since then.&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">So happy for this guy today 💙🇮🇳 <a href="https://t.co/EBjgkFqwWQ">https://t.co/EBjgkFqwWQ</a> <a href="https://t.co/SPSfoISWMZ">pic.twitter.com/SPSfoISWMZ</a></p>&mdash; Surya Kumar Yadav (@surya_14kumar) <a href="https://twitter.com/surya_14kumar/status/2030755017842684392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>Head coach Gambhir also took to social media and said, “ this wasn’t just God’s plan, it was the plan of 1.4 Billion Indians! Each player a WORLD CHAMPION!.”</p>

Another moment that quickly went viral featured Varun Chakravarthy celebrating in his own style. The spinner performed a joyful dance while holding the trophy, moving his legs excitedly as his teammates celebrated around him.

Even though Arshdeep Singh did not take a wicket in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 final, he still grabbed attention after the match with his funny social media videos. After India defeated New Zealand by 96 runs, Arshdeep shared several entertaining clips on his Instagram. India had earlier posted 255 while batting first, before bowling New Zealand out for 159 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad to seal their third T20 World Cup title. Arshdeep’s reels go viral Arshdeep, known for his humour other than his lethal fast bowling, recorded fun moments with his teammates while the team was celebrating the big win. In one video with Sanju Samson, who was named Player of the Tournament, Arshdeep jokingly said, “Justice mil gaya” (We got justice). The comment was a playful reference to Samson’s fans, who had long demanded that he get more consistent opportunities in the team.

<p>Another moment that quickly went viral featured Varun Chakravarthy celebrating in his own style. The spinner performed a joyful dance while holding the trophy, moving his legs excitedly as his teammates celebrated around him.</p>

'Justice for Samson’: Arshdeep’s reels go viral after India’s T20 World Cup win

<p>India secured a historic win in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 final, defeating New Zealand by a huge margin of 96 runs. During the match, a short on-field moment between Arshdeep Singh and Daryl Mitchell drew attention. The Indian fast bowler later apologised to Mitchell both on the field and after the match, ensuring the situation ended respectfully. The Men in Blue beat New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, winning their third T20 World Cup title and becoming the first team to successfully defend the trophy. In front of more than 86,000 fans, the Indian side dominated with both bat and ball.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>However, during New Zealand’s chase, a brief moment of tension occurred in the 11th over, when Mitchell had already hit Arshdeep for two consecutive sixes, putting the bowler under pressure. On the fifth ball, Mitchell played the shot straight back to the bowler and while finishing his action, Arshdeep picked up the ball and quickly tried to throw it at the stumps at the striker’s end. The throw missed and accidentally struck Mitchell on the thigh.&nbsp;</p>

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<p><strong>Also Read - </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-beat-new-zealand-in-ahmedabad-to-win-3rd-t20-world-cup-title-script-history-sanju-samson-abhishek-sharma-jasprit-bumrah-shivam-dube-1772987200533"><strong>T20 World Cup 2026: India crush New Zealand in Ahmedabad to win record 3rd title, script history</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Mitchell looked unhappy and walked toward the bowler, showing his frustration with animated gestures. For a few moments, both players exchanged words and the atmosphere on the field became tense.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav quickly stepped in to calm things down and spoke to Mitchell while the umpire also talked to Arshdeep. Their intervention helped to settle the situation before it got worse.</p><h3>Watch the video below</h3>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="et" dir="ltr">Final Hungama : Daryl Mitchell 🆚 Arshdeep Singh <br><br>Surya ಬಂದ ಮೇಲೆ ಎಲ್ಲವೂ ಶಾಂತ... SKY Handle ಮಾಡಿದ ರೀತಿ ನಿಜಕ್ಕೂ ಅದ್ಬುತ!👏🏻🤝🏻<br><br>ವೀಕ್ಷಿಸಿ | ICC Men’s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T20WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#T20WorldCup</a> 👉🏻 FINAL | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvNZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvNZ</a> | LIVE NOW | ನಿಮ್ಮ Star Sports ಕನ್ನಡ &amp; JioHotstar ನಲ್ಲಿ.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T20WorldCup2026Final?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#T20WorldCup2026Final</a> <a href="https://t.co/K4ECnGh9ra">pic.twitter.com/K4ECnGh9ra</a></p>&mdash; Star Sports Kannada (@StarSportsKan) <a href="https://twitter.com/StarSportsKan/status/2030688420776018354?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>Speaking after the match, Arshdeep said the throw was not intentional and explained that the ball swung unexpectedly in the air, which is why it struck Mitchell. He added that he apologised immediately after the over and once again after the match when India were celebrating their victory.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“Just went to apologise to Mitchell. My throw reverse-swung and hit him so just wanted to say sorry to him for that. It was not intentional,” said Arshdeep.</p>

With this victory, India lifted their third T20 World Cup trophy, adding to their earlier titles in 2007 and 2024.

India secured a historic win in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 final, defeating New Zealand by a huge margin of 96 runs. During the match, a short on-field moment between Arshdeep Singh and Daryl Mitchell drew attention. The Indian fast bowler later apologised to Mitchell both on the field and after the match, ensuring the situation ended respectfully. The Men in Blue beat New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, winning their third T20 World Cup title and becoming the first team to successfully defend the trophy. In front of more than 86,000 fans, the Indian side dominated with both bat and ball. However, during New Zealand’s chase, a brief moment of tension occurred in the 11th over, when Mitchell had already hit Arshdeep for two consecutive sixes, putting the bowler under pressure. On the fifth ball, Mitchell played the shot straight back to the bowler and while finishing his action, Arshdeep picked up the ball and quickly tried to throw it at the stumps at the striker’s end. The throw missed and accidentally struck Mitchell on the thigh.

<p>With this victory, India lifted their third T20 World Cup trophy, adding to their earlier titles in 2007 and 2024.</p>

T20 World Cup 2026, Final | WATCH: Arshdeep apologises to Daryl Mitchell after on-field spat

India's Sanju Samson won the Player of the Series, Jasprit Bumrah was POTM in Final, Pak's Sahibzada Farhan scored 383 runs - the most in the tournament and India's Bumrah and Varun Chakaravarthy took 14 wickets each - the most in the tournament.

<p>India's Sanju Samson won the Player of the Series.</p><p>India's Jasprit Bumrah was POTM in Final.</p><p>Pak's Sahibzada Farhan scored 383 runs - the most in the tournament.</p><p>India's Bumrah and Varun Chakaravarthy took 14 wickets each - the most in the tournament.</p>

T20 World Cup 2026 Awards List: Player of the Match in Final, Player of the Series, best batter, bowler and more - Check Full List Inside

<p>Former India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who led the team to first ever T20 World Cup during inaugural edition back in 2007, has congratulated the current team and coach Gautam Gambhir for Sunday's victory. India beat New Zealand on Sunday (Mar 8) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad for a record third T20 World Cup title. With the win, India are now first to win three T20 WC title, first to win a T20 WC title at home, and also the first to defend a T20 WC title. Rohit Sharma had also led India to T20 World Cup title win in 2024.</p><h2>What did Dhoni say about Gambhir?</h2><p>The two players, who played pivotal role in India's 2007 T20 WC as well as 2011 ODI World Cup win, are constantly pitted against each other on social media by the fans. Both of them, however, have never taken each other's name in any form of critical comments.</p><p><strong>Also Read</strong> - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-2026-ishan-kishan-dedicates-title-win-to-cousin-who-died-a-day-before-final-1773016829832">T20 WC 2026 | Kishan dedicates title win to cousin who 'died a day before final'</a></p><p>Dhoni, who was present at the venue, took to Instagram after India's win and wrote: "History gets created at Ahmedabad,big congratulations to the team and support staff and to all the fans of Indian Cricket Team worldwide.such a pleasure to see all of u play. Coach Sahab (Sir) smile looks great on u, intensity with smile is a killer combo, very well done.enjoy guys. BUMRAH ke baare mein kuch na likhoon tou hi acha hai (better not to write anything about Bumrah.CHAMPION BOWLER."</p>

<h2>What next for India?</h2><p>After winning the third ICC white-ball title in as many years, India, as T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav after the match on Sunday (Mar 8), has set the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-win-t20-wc-2026-skipper-sky-sets-new-target-for-team-and-it-is-not-another-t20-world-cup-title-1773025498049">sight on LA28 Olympic gold medal</a>.</p><p>The LA28 Olympics will be played from July 14 and 29 nearly two years later in Los Angeles, USA. Top six teams in the ICC men's and women's rankings, one each from a continent, will qualify for the Olympics and India men's team is all but sure to qualify from Asia. All the matches will be played at the temporary Fairgrounds Stadium, in the city of Pomona, about 50km from Los Angeles.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Dhoni and Gambhir, who played pivotal role in India's 2007 T20 WC as well as 2011 ODI World Cup win, are constantly pitted against each other on social media by the fans. Both of them, however, have never taken each other's name in any form of critical comments.

Former India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who led the team to first ever T20 World Cup during inaugural edition back in 2007, has congratulated the current team and coach Gautam Gambhir for Sunday's victory. India beat New Zealand on Sunday (Mar 8) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad for a record third T20 World Cup title. With the win, India are now first to win three T20 WC title, first to win a T20 WC title at home, and also the first to defend a T20 WC title. Rohit Sharma had also led India to T20 World Cup title win in 2024. What did Dhoni say about Gambhir? The two players, who played pivotal role in India's 2007 T20 WC as well as 2011 ODI World Cup win, are constantly pitted against each other on social media by the fans. Both of them, however, have never taken each other's name in any form of critical comments. Also Read - T20 WC 2026 | Kishan dedicates title win to cousin who 'died a day before final' Dhoni, who was present at the venue, took to Instagram after India's win and wrote: "History gets created at Ahmedabad,big congratulations to the team and support staff and to all the fans of Indian Cricket Team worldwide.such a pleasure to see all of u play. Coach Sahab (Sir) smile looks great on u, intensity with smile is a killer combo, very well done.enjoy guys. BUMRAH ke baare mein kuch na likhoon tou hi acha hai (better not to write anything about Bumrah.CHAMPION BOWLER."

<p>Dhoni and Gambhir, who played pivotal role in India's 2007 T20 WC as well as 2011 ODI World Cup win, are constantly pitted against each other on social media by the fans. Both of them, however, have never taken each other's name in any form of critical comments.</p>

INDIA WIN T20 WC 2026 | 'Intensity with smile is...,' MS Dhoni's post for COACH Gautam Gambhir breaks internet

<p>India skipper Suryakumar Yada, who led the team to T20 World Cup 2026 victory on Sunday (Mar 8) at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahemdabad, has set a new goal. SKY said that that team will now focus on LA 28 Olympics gold medal where cricket is making a comeback after decades. India are currently the undisputed white-ball champions, having won the T20 World Cup 2024 and Champions Trophy 2025 before winning the T20 World Cup 2026. The Men in Blue are the only team to win three T20 WC titles (2007, 2024, &amp; 2026) as well as first to defend it and also win at home.</p><h2>SKY sets new target for India after T20 World Cup 2026 victory</h2><p>"Throughout the journey till today it has been very special and collectively as a team what we have achieved I think is right in front of you [trophy]. So, [I'm] very happy with that and the next goal is the Olympic gold and also the team that we work with," SKY said during the post-match reaction.</p><p><strong>Also Read</strong> - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-win-t20-wc-2026-never-mattered-to-me-says-coach-gambhir-on-players-mentality-after-record-title-win-1773018781158">INDIA WIN T20 WC 2026 | 'Never mattered to me,' coach Gambhir lauds players' mentality after record title win</a></p><p>The LA28 Olympics will be played from July 14 and 29 nearly two years later in Los Angeles, USA. Top six teams in the ICC men's and women's rankings, one each from a continent, will qualify for the Olympics and India men's team is all but sure to qualify from Asia. All the matches will be played at the temporary Fairgrounds Stadium, in the city of Pomona, about 50km from Los Angeles.</p><h2>India break Ahmedabad curse</h2><p>Before the final began on Sunday, the Indian fans were on edge with the heartbreaking memories of 2023 ODI World Cup final loss at the same venue still fresh in their mind. The match, however, was nothing like the horror on November 19, 2023 when India were bowled out for just 240 runs in a 50-over contest.</p><p>On Sunday, India smahsed the leather of the ball, scoring 255/5 in 20 over and then bowled out New Zealand for just 159 runs, winning the match by 96 runs - everything a record in T20 World Cup history.</p>

India are currently the undisputed white-ball champions, having won the T20 World Cup 2024 and Champions Trophy 2025 before winning the T20 World Cup 2026. SKY said that that team will now focus on LA 28 Olympics gold medal where cricket is making a comeback after decades.

India skipper Suryakumar Yada, who led the team to T20 World Cup 2026 victory on Sunday (Mar 8) at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahemdabad, has set a new goal. SKY said that that team will now focus on LA 28 Olympics gold medal where cricket is making a comeback after decades. India are currently the undisputed white-ball champions, having won the T20 World Cup 2024 and Champions Trophy 2025 before winning the T20 World Cup 2026. The Men in Blue are the only team to win three T20 WC titles (2007, 2024, & 2026) as well as first to defend it and also win at home. SKY sets new target for India after T20 World Cup 2026 victory "Throughout the journey till today it has been very special and collectively as a team what we have achieved I think is right in front of you [trophy]. So, [I'm] very happy with that and the next goal is the Olympic gold and also the team that we work with," SKY said during the post-match reaction. Also Read - INDIA WIN T20 WC 2026 | 'Never mattered to me,' coach Gambhir lauds players' mentality after record title win The LA28 Olympics will be played from July 14 and 29 nearly two years later in Los Angeles, USA. Top six teams in the ICC men's and women's rankings, one each from a continent, will qualify for the Olympics and India men's team is all but sure to qualify from Asia. All the matches will be played at the temporary Fairgrounds Stadium, in the city of Pomona, about 50km from Los Angeles. India break Ahmedabad curse Before the final began on Sunday, the Indian fans were on edge with the heartbreaking memories of 2023 ODI World Cup final loss at the same venue still fresh in their mind. The match, however, was nothing like the horror on November 19, 2023 when India were bowled out for just 240 runs in a 50-over contest. On Sunday, India smahsed the leather of the ball, scoring 255/5 in 20 over and then bowled out New Zealand for just 159 runs, winning the match by 96 runs - everything a record in T20 World Cup history.

<p>India are currently the undisputed white-ball champions, having won the T20 World Cup 2024 and Champions Trophy 2025 before winning the T20 World Cup 2026. SKY said that that team will now focus on LA 28 Olympics gold medal where cricket is making a comeback after decades.</p>

INDIA WIN T20 WC 2026 | Skipper SKY sets new target for team and it is not another T20 World Cup title

<p>India head coach gauta Gambhir lauded the players' team first mentality after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-beat-new-zealand-in-ahmedabad-to-win-3rd-t20-world-cup-title-script-history-sanju-samson-abhishek-sharma-jasprit-bumrah-shivam-dube-1772987200533">record third T20 World Cup title win</a> on Sunday (Mar 8) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Gambhir, who had won the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007 under MS Dhoni, has now led India to two back-to-back ICC white-ball trophies. Before the T20 World Cup 2026 title win, India had also won the Champions Trophy 2025 as well. The Indian head coach, at the post-match presentation, also vowed to never let personal milestone come in the way of team.</p><h2>What India coach Gambhir said about personal milestones after T20 WC title win?</h2><p>"My simple philosophy, and Surya's too, has always been that milestones don't matter. It's the trophies that matter. For too long in Indian cricket, we have spoken about milestones. And I hope, till I am there, we are not going to talk about milestones," said the head coach at the post-match presentation.</p><p><strong>Also Read</strong> - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-2026-ishan-kishan-dedicates-title-win-to-cousin-who-died-a-day-before-final-1773016829832">T20 World Cup 2026 | Ishan Kishan dedicates title win to cousin who 'died a day before final'</a></p><p>The coach also invoked Player of the Tournament Sanju Samson's example to explain on his ideology and said: "You can see the last three games what Sanju [Samson] did. 97 not out, 89, 88. Imagine if he had been playing for a milestone, probably we wouldn't have got 250. So stop celebrating milestones, celebrate trophies. The bigger purpose of a team sport is to win trophies, not score individual runs. It has never mattered to me, and it will never matter to me."</p><h2>Why did Gambhir thank Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman for India's T20 WC win?</h2><p>The India coach also thanked his predecessor Rahul Dravid as well as BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) head VVS Laxman for their invalueable contirbution to the Indian cricket which helped the Suryakumar Yadav's team to win the T20 World Cup 2026 title.</p><p>"I think first of all I should dedicate this trophy to Rahul [Dravid] bhai, and then to VVS Laxman [bhai]," Gambhir said. "Because what Rahul bhai has done to keep Indian cricket in such a good shape during his tenure, I have to thank him for everything. And then VVS Laxman for unconditionally doing so much for Indian cricket behind the doors, because the CoE remains the pipeline for Indian cricket."</p>

Gambhir, who had won the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007 under MS Dhoni, has now led India to two back-to-back ICC white-ball trophies. Before the T20 World Cup 2026 title win, India had also won the Champions Trophy 2025 as well.

India head coach gauta Gambhir lauded the players' team first mentality after the record third T20 World Cup title win on Sunday (Mar 8) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Gambhir, who had won the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007 under MS Dhoni, has now led India to two back-to-back ICC white-ball trophies. Before the T20 World Cup 2026 title win, India had also won the Champions Trophy 2025 as well. The Indian head coach, at the post-match presentation, also vowed to never let personal milestone come in the way of team. What India coach Gambhir said about personal milestones after T20 WC title win? "My simple philosophy, and Surya's too, has always been that milestones don't matter. It's the trophies that matter. For too long in Indian cricket, we have spoken about milestones. And I hope, till I am there, we are not going to talk about milestones," said the head coach at the post-match presentation. Also Read - T20 World Cup 2026 | Ishan Kishan dedicates title win to cousin who 'died a day before final' The coach also invoked Player of the Tournament Sanju Samson's example to explain on his ideology and said: "You can see the last three games what Sanju [Samson] did. 97 not out, 89, 88. Imagine if he had been playing for a milestone, probably we wouldn't have got 250. So stop celebrating milestones, celebrate trophies. The bigger purpose of a team sport is to win trophies, not score individual runs. It has never mattered to me, and it will never matter to me." Why did Gambhir thank Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman for India's T20 WC win? The India coach also thanked his predecessor Rahul Dravid as well as BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) head VVS Laxman for their invalueable contirbution to the Indian cricket which helped the Suryakumar Yadav's team to win the T20 World Cup 2026 title. "I think first of all I should dedicate this trophy to Rahul [Dravid] bhai, and then to VVS Laxman [bhai]," Gambhir said. "Because what Rahul bhai has done to keep Indian cricket in such a good shape during his tenure, I have to thank him for everything. And then VVS Laxman for unconditionally doing so much for Indian cricket behind the doors, because the CoE remains the pipeline for Indian cricket."

<p>India win record third T20 World Cup title on Sunday (Mar 8).</p><p>India beat New Zealand by 96 runs to defend title.</p><p>Gambhir's second title as coach after leading India to Champions Trophy 2025 win.</p>

INDIA WIN T20 WC 2026 | 'Never mattered to me,' coach Gambhir lauds players' mentality after record title win

<p>India made history at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday (Mar 8) by becoming the first team to retain the T20 World Cup title after defeating New Zealand in the final. India now are also the first side to win a T20 WC title at home and have three trophies to their name as well. The Men in Blue had previously won the T20 World Cup back in 2007 and in 2024.</p><p>While the team battled it out on the field, wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan was also fighting an emotional battle of his own. During the post-match press conference, Kishan revealed that he had lost his cousin sister, to whom he was very close, in a car accident a day before the final. &nbsp;The wicketkeeper said he came to know about the tragic news during a practice session and was deeply disturbed.</p><p><strong>Also Read</strong> - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-2026-prize-money-3-million-for-indian-team-check-runners-up-semifinalists-share-1773004004609">T20 World Cup 2026 Prize Money: $3 million for Indian Team; check runners-up, semifinalists’ share</a></p><p>“I lost my cousin sister yesterday in a car accident. I got the news during the practice session. So, I want to dedicate my knock to her. When I looked up after the fifty, it was for her,” Kishan said.</p><p>Despite the personal loss, Kishan delivered a brilliant performance in the final, scoring 54 off 25 balls, including four boundaries and four sixes, as India defeated New Zealand by 96 runs.</p><p>“She [My cousin] always wanted me to score runs. This one is for her. I dedicate this win to her, and today is Women’s Day, so it makes it all the more special,” he added.</p><p>Kishan enjoyed an outstanding tournament with the bat. The left-hander finished as the fourth-highest run-scorer in the competition, amassing 317 runs in nine matches at an impressive strike rate of 193.29, including three half-centuries. The southpaw was called up to India’s squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup following a stellar run in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025-26, where he scored 517 runs in 10 innings at a remarkable strike rate of 197.32.</p><p>During the press conference, Kishan also recalled a conversation with India’s T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav when he received the call-up to the national team.</p><p>“When Surya (Suryakumar Yadav) bhai called me, I took a screenshot thinking it was about the World Cup. He asked, ‘Will you help us win the World Cup?’ I replied, ‘Will you trust me?’ I told him I would do it, and he said, ‘Alright, done.’”</p><p>Kishan also spoke about how he has changed his mindset in the last couple of years.</p><p>The 27-year-old batter revealed that he has now stopped overthinking and now concentrates only on what he can control.</p><p>“I have stopped thinking too much. I just focus on doing my job and not worry about things beyond my control. That’s something Virat (Kohli) bhai has always followed,” he said.</p>

India wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan was also fighting an emotional battle of his own. During the post-match press conference, Kishan revealed that he had lost his cousin sister, to whom he was very close, in a car accident a day before the final. 

India made history at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday (Mar 8) by becoming the first team to retain the T20 World Cup title after defeating New Zealand in the final. India now are also the first side to win a T20 WC title at home and have three trophies to their name as well. The Men in Blue had previously won the T20 World Cup back in 2007 and in 2024. While the team battled it out on the field, wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan was also fighting an emotional battle of his own. During the post-match press conference, Kishan revealed that he had lost his cousin sister, to whom he was very close, in a car accident a day before the final. The wicketkeeper said he came to know about the tragic news during a practice session and was deeply disturbed. Also Read - T20 World Cup 2026 Prize Money: $3 million for Indian Team; check runners-up, semifinalists’ share “I lost my cousin sister yesterday in a car accident. I got the news during the practice session. So, I want to dedicate my knock to her. When I looked up after the fifty, it was for her,” Kishan said. Despite the personal loss, Kishan delivered a brilliant performance in the final, scoring 54 off 25 balls, including four boundaries and four sixes, as India defeated New Zealand by 96 runs. “She [My cousin] always wanted me to score runs. This one is for her. I dedicate this win to her, and today is Women’s Day, so it makes it all the more special,” he added. Kishan enjoyed an outstanding tournament with the bat. The left-hander finished as the fourth-highest run-scorer in the competition, amassing 317 runs in nine matches at an impressive strike rate of 193.29, including three half-centuries. The southpaw was called up to India’s squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup following a stellar run in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025-26, where he scored 517 runs in 10 innings at a remarkable strike rate of 197.32. During the press conference, Kishan also recalled a conversation with India’s T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav when he received the call-up to the national team. “When Surya (Suryakumar Yadav) bhai called me, I took a screenshot thinking it was about the World Cup. He asked, ‘Will you help us win the World Cup?’ I replied, ‘Will you trust me?’ I told him I would do it, and he said, ‘Alright, done.’” Kishan also spoke about how he has changed his mindset in the last couple of years. The 27-year-old batter revealed that he has now stopped overthinking and now concentrates only on what he can control. “I have stopped thinking too much. I just focus on doing my job and not worry about things beyond my control. That’s something Virat (Kohli) bhai has always followed,” he said.

<p>India wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan was also fighting an emotional battle of his own. During the post-match press conference, Kishan revealed that he had lost his cousin sister, to whom he was very close, in a car accident a day before the final.&nbsp;</p>

T20 World Cup 2026 | Ishan Kishan dedicates title win to cousin who 'died a day before final'

<p>The Indian Team has earned a prize money of $3 million, which translates to approximately INR 27.48 crore, for winning the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, while the runners-up, New Zealand, have pocketed just more than half of it ($1.6 million, which translates to INR 14.65 crore). The Men in Blue and the Kiwis faced off in the grand finale of the 2026 edition, with the defending champions walking away with a 96-run win, the heaviest margin in the tournament’s history. Moreover, doing it in Ahmedabad, cursed over the 2023 ODI WC Final’s result, made it special for the team and the countless fans.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>With what the Indian Team achieved with their record-shattering third T20 World Cup crown, a 20% hike from the last edition’s prize money sounds deserving. From the tournament pool of roughly INR 120 crore, the winner receives the biggest chunk, which India did, followed by the second-placed team, the semifinalists, and so on.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Meanwhile, the distribution is based on each team's advancement in the competition.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>The two losing semifinalists, South Africa, which lost to New Zealand, and England, which was beaten narrowly by eventual winners India, will receive $790,000 each, which translates to INR 7.24 crore.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/when-god-of-cricket-came-to-sanju-samson-rescue-long-conversations-with-sachin-tendulkar-helped-me-pots-2026-t20-world-cup-ind-nz-ahmedabad-321-runs-1772999430347"><strong>When ‘God of Cricket’ came to Samson’s rescue: ‘Long conversations with Tendulkar helped me’</strong></a><br>&nbsp;</p><p>On the other hand, the teams that reached the Super 8 stage but failed to progress to the last four, including Sri Lanka (tournament’s co-hosts), Pakistan, West Indies and Zimbabwe, will earn $380,000 each, approximately INR 3.48 crore; however, each of the teams that participated in the Group stage and didn't qualify for the next round will pocket $250,000, equivalent to INR 2.29 crore.</p><h3>India crush New Zealand in Ahmedabad</h3><p>India mauled the Kiwis in Ahmedabad to lift their record 3r T20 World Cup trophy, and how they did that is unbelievable. Batting first after losing the toss, India scored 255 for seven in 20 overs – the third-highest total in this tournament’s history and their third 250-plus in this edition alone. Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma were the half-centurions, while a handy yet late blitz from Shivam Dube propelled them to a match-winning total.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>The chase, however, didn’t go as planned for New Zealand as it should have, having lost three wickets inside the Powerplay. Although a brief period of rapid scoring did disrupt the Indian Team’s plans, Jasprit Bumrah’s late flurry of wickets wrapped up New Zealand on 159 in 19 overs.&nbsp;</p>

India has secured the biggest-ever T20 World Cup payday after crushing New Zealand by 96 runs in Ahmedabad. From the 20% prize money hike to the shares for semifinalists and Super 8 teams, check the full financial breakdown of India's historic third world title.

The Indian Team has earned a prize money of $3 million, which translates to approximately INR 27.48 crore, for winning the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, while the runners-up, New Zealand, have pocketed just more than half of it ($1.6 million, which translates to INR 14.65 crore). The Men in Blue and the Kiwis faced off in the grand finale of the 2026 edition, with the defending champions walking away with a 96-run win, the heaviest margin in the tournament’s history. Moreover, doing it in Ahmedabad, cursed over the 2023 ODI WC Final’s result, made it special for the team and the countless fans. With what the Indian Team achieved with their record-shattering third T20 World Cup crown, a 20% hike from the last edition’s prize money sounds deserving. From the tournament pool of roughly INR 120 crore, the winner receives the biggest chunk, which India did, followed by the second-placed team, the semifinalists, and so on. Meanwhile, the distribution is based on each team's advancement in the competition. The two losing semifinalists, South Africa, which lost to New Zealand, and England, which was beaten narrowly by eventual winners India, will receive $790,000 each, which translates to INR 7.24 crore. Also read | When ‘God of Cricket’ came to Samson’s rescue: ‘Long conversations with Tendulkar helped me’ On the other hand, the teams that reached the Super 8 stage but failed to progress to the last four, including Sri Lanka (tournament’s co-hosts), Pakistan, West Indies and Zimbabwe, will earn $380,000 each, approximately INR 3.48 crore; however, each of the teams that participated in the Group stage and didn't qualify for the next round will pocket $250,000, equivalent to INR 2.29 crore. India crush New Zealand in Ahmedabad India mauled the Kiwis in Ahmedabad to lift their record 3r T20 World Cup trophy, and how they did that is unbelievable. Batting first after losing the toss, India scored 255 for seven in 20 overs – the third-highest total in this tournament’s history and their third 250-plus in this edition alone. Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma were the half-centurions, while a handy yet late blitz from Shivam Dube propelled them to a match-winning total. The chase, however, didn’t go as planned for New Zealand as it should have, having lost three wickets inside the Powerplay. Although a brief period of rapid scoring did disrupt the Indian Team’s plans, Jasprit Bumrah’s late flurry of wickets wrapped up New Zealand on 159 in 19 overs.

<p>India has secured the biggest-ever T20 World Cup payday after crushing New Zealand by 96 runs in Ahmedabad. From the 20% prize money hike to the shares for semifinalists and Super 8 teams, check the full financial breakdown of India's historic third world title.</p>

T20 World Cup 2026 Prize Money: $3 million for Indian Team; check runners-up, semifinalists’ share

From India to Australia, here's a look at the top five cricket teams with most ICC titles. This list also includes Pakistan, West Indies and Sri Lanka.

<p>From India to Australia, here's a look at the top five cricket teams with most ICC titles. This list also includes Pakistan, West Indies and Sri Lanka.</p>

5 cricket teams with most ICC titles, check where India stands

<p>Sanju Samson was the highlight of Team India’s success at the just concluded T20 World Cup 2026, which the Men in Blue won by 96 runs after beating New Zealand in a lop-sided finale in Ahmedabad on Sunday (Mar 8). However, he wasn’t the first choice until the management decided to bring him back for the Zimbabwe fixture in the Super 8, and the rest is history.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Samson’s form before the competition was horrendous, and he admitted to feeling ‘broke and shattered’ over it. As he felt clueless about his international career, a long conversation with cricket’s God, Sachin Tendulkar, helped him find solace. Samson revealed he was out of his mind following a forgettable home T20I series against New Zealand but he couldn’t have afforded to lose control over his game as the 20-team tournament was around the corner; however, for him to keep himself motivated, plenty of chatter with several seniors, and especially with Tendulkar, helped him revive his game and do wonders later on.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>While Samson was nowhere near his best just before the tournament started, he slammed runs and records for fun during the fag end of the T20 World Cup. Samson hit match-winning knocks against the West Indies in the virtual knockout, England in the semifinal and New Zealand in the grand finale, finishing this T20 WC with 321 runs, among the top three.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>"To be honest, there has been a lot of guidance and suggestions from senior players," Samson said after winning the Player of the Tournament award in the T20 WC. "A lot of former players have reached out to me and tried to help me out. From the last couple of months…I hope I can share it here. I've been in constant touch with Sachin [Tendulkar] sir. When I was sitting outside in Australia [during the T20Is in October]… I wasn't playing a game; I thought about what mindset is required.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/absolutely-no-match-phenomenal-virat-kohli-leads-tributes-as-india-beat-new-zealand-to-win-historic-t20-world-cup-crown-96-run-win-ahmedabad-1772993232831"><strong>‘Absolutely no match, Phenomenal’: Virat Kohli leads tributes as India beat NZ to win historic T20 WC crown</strong></a><br>&nbsp;</p><p>"I reached out to sir and had huge [long] conversations with him. Even yesterday [Saturday] night, he called me up to check how I am feeling. Getting guidance from someone like him - that clarity, game preparation, awareness and game sense - I'm grateful for everyone who supported me,” he continued.&nbsp;</p><h3>New Zealand series broke Samson</h3><p>Samson opened with Abhishek Sharma in the New Zealand T20I series, and in five matches, scored just 46 runs. With Kishan making inroads in his new number three role at the other end, the team management replaced Samson with him for India’s T20 WC opener, with the two left-handers playing a few games on the trot later.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>However, following Abhishek’s surprise poor run at the top and Rinku’s sudden absence from the camp, Samson returned to the scheme of things and was recalled to the playing XI for the second Super 8 match against Zimbabwe. After which, he struck 97* and 89 twice to help India win its 3rd T20 World Cup crown.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>"Right after the New Zealand series, I was broke. I was completely out of my mind. I felt like my dreams had shattered. I thought, 'Okay, what else can I do?' But God had different plans. I suddenly came back into the crucial games [starting with the virtual quarter-final against West Indies], and did what I could for the country. I'm very proud and happy that I was courageous enough to dream about it, and things have turned up nicely for me, so I'm really grateful,” Samson said.&nbsp;</p>

After winning Player of the Tournament at the 2026 T20 World Cup, Sanju Samson reveals how long conversations with "God of Cricket" Sachin Tendulkar saved his career. From the brink of being dropped to scoring 321 runs and lifting the trophy in Ahmedabad, read Samson's redemption story.

Sanju Samson was the highlight of Team India’s success at the just concluded T20 World Cup 2026, which the Men in Blue won by 96 runs after beating New Zealand in a lop-sided finale in Ahmedabad on Sunday (Mar 8). However, he wasn’t the first choice until the management decided to bring him back for the Zimbabwe fixture in the Super 8, and the rest is history. Samson’s form before the competition was horrendous, and he admitted to feeling ‘broke and shattered’ over it. As he felt clueless about his international career, a long conversation with cricket’s God, Sachin Tendulkar, helped him find solace. Samson revealed he was out of his mind following a forgettable home T20I series against New Zealand but he couldn’t have afforded to lose control over his game as the 20-team tournament was around the corner; however, for him to keep himself motivated, plenty of chatter with several seniors, and especially with Tendulkar, helped him revive his game and do wonders later on. While Samson was nowhere near his best just before the tournament started, he slammed runs and records for fun during the fag end of the T20 World Cup. Samson hit match-winning knocks against the West Indies in the virtual knockout, England in the semifinal and New Zealand in the grand finale, finishing this T20 WC with 321 runs, among the top three. "To be honest, there has been a lot of guidance and suggestions from senior players," Samson said after winning the Player of the Tournament award in the T20 WC. "A lot of former players have reached out to me and tried to help me out. From the last couple of months…I hope I can share it here. I've been in constant touch with Sachin [Tendulkar] sir. When I was sitting outside in Australia [during the T20Is in October]… I wasn't playing a game; I thought about what mindset is required. Also read | ‘Absolutely no match, Phenomenal’: Virat Kohli leads tributes as India beat NZ to win historic T20 WC crown "I reached out to sir and had huge [long] conversations with him. Even yesterday [Saturday] night, he called me up to check how I am feeling. Getting guidance from someone like him - that clarity, game preparation, awareness and game sense - I'm grateful for everyone who supported me,” he continued. New Zealand series broke Samson Samson opened with Abhishek Sharma in the New Zealand T20I series, and in five matches, scored just 46 runs. With Kishan making inroads in his new number three role at the other end, the team management replaced Samson with him for India’s T20 WC opener, with the two left-handers playing a few games on the trot later. However, following Abhishek’s surprise poor run at the top and Rinku’s sudden absence from the camp, Samson returned to the scheme of things and was recalled to the playing XI for the second Super 8 match against Zimbabwe. After which, he struck 97* and 89 twice to help India win its 3rd T20 World Cup crown. "Right after the New Zealand series, I was broke. I was completely out of my mind. I felt like my dreams had shattered. I thought, 'Okay, what else can I do?' But God had different plans. I suddenly came back into the crucial games [starting with the virtual quarter-final against West Indies], and did what I could for the country. I'm very proud and happy that I was courageous enough to dream about it, and things have turned up nicely for me, so I'm really grateful,” Samson said.

<p>After winning Player of the Tournament at the 2026 T20 World Cup, Sanju Samson reveals how long conversations with "God of Cricket" Sachin Tendulkar saved his career. From the brink of being dropped to scoring 321 runs and lifting the trophy in Ahmedabad, read Samson's redemption story.</p>

When ‘God of Cricket’ came to Samson’s rescue: ‘Long conversations with Tendulkar helped me’

<p>India celebrated a historic evening on Sunday (Mar 8) as they beat New Zealand to lift their third T20 World Cup. Playing at the Narendra Modi Stadium, India became the first team to defend their title as well as win the title on home soil. After the win, legendary batters like Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag and others congratulated them on the historic triumph. The legends took to their social media handles to show their emotions after India’s win.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Winning the World Cup twice in a row, the first time any team has done so in the T20 format. Totally deserving and rightful winners of the trophy.<br><br>What a fantastic performance by our team and a special brand of cricket on display.<br><br>Well done, Team India. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳🏆</p>&mdash; Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) <a href="https://twitter.com/sachin_rt/status/2030694859976438163?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2><strong>Legends celebrate India’s win</strong></h2><p>&nbsp;“Winning the World Cup twice in a row, the first time any team has done so in the T20 format. Totally deserving and rightful winners of the trophy. What a fantastic performance by our team and a special brand of cricket on display. Well done, Team India. Jai Hind,” wrote Sachin Tendulkar on his X handle.&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Pressure?<br>Woh kya hota hai.<br>Our Boys played like it’s a Sunday gully match. <br>World Champions, Bharat🇮🇳🏆, third time in T20 World Cups <a href="https://t.co/t82KDZP34g">pic.twitter.com/t82KDZP34g</a></p>&mdash; Virrender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) <a href="https://twitter.com/virendersehwag/status/2030699237781241902?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>“Pressure? Woh kya hota hai. Our Boys played like it’s a Sunday gully match. World Champions, Bharat, third time in T20 World Cups,” Virender Sehwag wrote on his X handle.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">What a performance from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a>! 🇮🇳🏆<br><br>The boys have been outstanding throughout the tournament and delivered on the biggest stage once again. No disappointment with the bat or the ball — pure team effort and champion mindset.<br><br>Brilliant knocks from <a href="https://twitter.com/IamAbhiSharma4?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IamAbhiSharma4</a>,… <a href="https://t.co/QfmkTm1oZJ">pic.twitter.com/QfmkTm1oZJ</a></p>&mdash; Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImRaina/status/2030700892501196931?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>“What a performance from #TeamIndia!The boys have been outstanding throughout the tournament and delivered on the biggest stage once again. No disappointment with the bat or the ball — pure team effort and champion mindset. Brilliant knocks from @IamAbhiSharma4, @ishankishan5 &amp; @IamSanjuSamson. And when it comes to big moments, there’s simply no one like @Jaspritbumrah93. What a spell! Special mention to @surya_14kumar for leading the team brilliantly. Proud of this team. True World Champions,” Suresh Raina took to his X handle and wrote.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>ALSO READ | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-chris-gayle-to-brendon-mccullum-5-batters-to-score-fastest-t20-world-cup-hundreds-rilee-rossouw-ahmed-shehzad-1768553361691"><strong>From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“Congratulations Team India in Advance before the network gets too busy . Super proud of our Team JAI HIND @surya_14kumar @Jaspritbumrah93 @ishankishan51 @IamSanjuSamson @hardikpandya7 @akshar2026,” Harbhajan Singh wrote on his X handle.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Congratulations Team India in Advance before the network gets too busy . Super proud of our Team 🇮🇳 JAI HIND <a href="https://twitter.com/surya_14kumar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@surya_14kumar</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Jaspritbumrah93?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Jaspritbumrah93</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ishankishan51?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ishankishan51</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/IamSanjuSamson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IamSanjuSamson</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hardikpandya7?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@hardikpandya7</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/akshar2026?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@akshar2026</a> ❤️❤️</p>&mdash; Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) <a href="https://twitter.com/harbhajan_singh/status/2030692936963481683?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>“Thrilling, Scintillating, Amazing, Massive! Heartiest congratulations to Team India on their historic and monumental victory in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, 2026! It was a moment of profound national pride and collective joy to witness the Men in Blue emerge victorious with such clinical precision.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">सारे जहाँ से अच्छा हिन्दोस्ताँ हमारा 🇮🇳<br><br>Thrilling, Scintillating, Amazing, Massive!<br><br>Heartiest congratulations to Team India on their historic and monumental victory in the ICC Men&#39;s T20 World Cup, 2026! It was a moment of profound national pride and collective joy to witness… <a href="https://t.co/y0vGsFhdYn">pic.twitter.com/y0vGsFhdYn</a></p>&mdash; Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dev_Fadnavis/status/2030699935776358692?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>“The players displayed exceptional skills and determination throughout the tournament, making the country proud. Congratulations to Team India on their well-deserved World Cup win and for creating yet another record! Kudos to the composed captaincy of Suryakumar Yadav &amp; team work of the entire squad,” wrote Devandra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra on his X handle.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>ALSO READ | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/meet-indians-to-score-most-runs-in-each-of-last-5-t20-world-cups-ft-virat-kohli-kl-rahul-rohit-sharma-2026-t20-world-cup-1768479871185"><strong>Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli</strong></a></p><h2><strong>What happened in the match?</strong></h2><p>India won a record third T20 World Cup title and became the first team to defend their crown with a 96-run thumping of New Zealand in a lop-sided final on Sunday. Suryakumar Yadav's India were also the first team to lift the trophy on home soil as over 86,000 fans celebrated at the Narendra Modi Stadium. England and the West Indies have won two titles each. India beat both those teams en route to the title, including a clutch victory over the West Indies in their final Super Eights match when defeat would have seen them eliminated.</p>

After the 2026 T20 World Cup win for India, legendary batters like Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag and others congratulated them on the historic triumph. The legends took to their social media handles to show their emotions after India’s win.

India celebrated a historic evening on Sunday (Mar 8) as they beat New Zealand to lift their third T20 World Cup. Playing at the Narendra Modi Stadium, India became the first team to defend their title as well as win the title on home soil. After the win, legendary batters like Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag and others congratulated them on the historic triumph. The legends took to their social media handles to show their emotions after India’s win.

<p>After the 2026 T20 World Cup win for India, legendary batters like Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag and others congratulated them on the historic triumph. The legends took to their social media handles to show their emotions after India’s win.</p>

India win T20 World Cup 2026: Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag congratulate Men in Blue after historic triumph

<p>Virat Kohli leads tributes as India hammered New Zealand by 96 runs in Ahmedabad to lift the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup for the record third time on Sunday (Mar 8). Part of the 2024 T20 WC-winning squad, Kohli took to his social media accounts to congratulate Team India on a historic feat – becoming the first team to win back-to-back T20 WC titles and also to do it at home. Captain Suryakumar Yadav has now joined the likes of MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma as Indian skippers to win the T20 WC crown.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-beat-new-zealand-in-ahmedabad-to-win-3rd-t20-world-cup-title-script-history-sanju-samson-abhishek-sharma-jasprit-bumrah-shivam-dube-1772987200533"><strong>T20 World Cup 2026: India crush New Zealand in Ahmedabad to win record 3rd title, script history</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Lauding the Men in Blue for a fantastic, never-before-seen performance in a Cricket World Cup final across formats, Kohli called it ‘Phenomenal’. Kohli, a batting maestro who now plays just one format, wrote that the brand of cricket this Indian Team played had no match, and that everyone showed brilliant character to weather the storm and come on top.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“Champions&nbsp;⭐️⭐️⭐️ Phenomenal win for Team India in Ahmedabad. Absolutely no match for the explosive cricket played by us throughout the tournament. Brilliant character shown by the boys to keep fighting in tough situations and become world champions once again. Congratulations to all the players and all the members of the management for achieving this feat. Jai Hind&nbsp;🇮🇳❤️”</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Champions ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Phenomenal win for Team India in Ahmedabad. Absolutely no match for the explosive cricket played by us throughout the tournament. Brilliant character shown by the boys to keep fighting in tough situations and become world champions once again. Congratulations to…</p>&mdash; Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli/status/2030694104628363607?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h3>India at the top of the world</h3><p>Team India is heads and shoulders ahead of its contemporaries in white-ball cricket, and winning its third ICC Men’s title in two years is a testament to it. Against New Zealand in this marquee T20 World Cup final, India made a mockery of the Kiwi attack in the first innings by smashing a record-breaking 255 for six in 20 overs, with Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma doing wonders with the bat.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>While several batting records were broken, the Indian bowlers ensured they weren’t left behind, with two local boys, Jasprit Bumrah and Axar Patel, wreaking havoc in Ahmedabad. The slow left-armer Axar picked three wickets, including the dangerous Finn Allen, Bumrah accounted for Rachin Ravindra at the top and wrapped up the tail like a pack of cards to win it for India.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Virat Kohli leads the global tributes as India hammered New Zealand by 96 runs to lift a record 3rd T20 World Cup title. From the record-breaking 255-run total in Ahmedabad to Axar Patel’s three-wicket haul, read how the Men in Blue scripted history on home soil.

Virat Kohli leads tributes as India hammered New Zealand by 96 runs in Ahmedabad to lift the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup for the record third time on Sunday (Mar 8). Part of the 2024 T20 WC-winning squad, Kohli took to his social media accounts to congratulate Team India on a historic feat – becoming the first team to win back-to-back T20 WC titles and also to do it at home. Captain Suryakumar Yadav has now joined the likes of MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma as Indian skippers to win the T20 WC crown. Also read | T20 World Cup 2026: India crush New Zealand in Ahmedabad to win record 3rd title, script history Lauding the Men in Blue for a fantastic, never-before-seen performance in a Cricket World Cup final across formats, Kohli called it ‘Phenomenal’. Kohli, a batting maestro who now plays just one format, wrote that the brand of cricket this Indian Team played had no match, and that everyone showed brilliant character to weather the storm and come on top. “Champions ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Phenomenal win for Team India in Ahmedabad. Absolutely no match for the explosive cricket played by us throughout the tournament. Brilliant character shown by the boys to keep fighting in tough situations and become world champions once again. Congratulations to all the players and all the members of the management for achieving this feat. Jai Hind 🇮🇳❤️”

<p>Virat Kohli leads the global tributes as India hammered New Zealand by 96 runs to lift a record 3rd T20 World Cup title. From the record-breaking 255-run total in Ahmedabad to Axar Patel’s three-wicket haul, read how the Men in Blue scripted history on home soil.</p>

‘Absolutely no match, Phenomenal’: Virat Kohli leads tributes as India beat NZ to win historic T20 WC crown

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (Mar 8) congratulated the Team India for their historic victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, saying the team showed “outstanding grit, determination and teamwork."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In a post on X, he wrote, “Champions! Congratulations to the Indian team on winning the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup! This remarkable triumph reflects exceptional skills, determination and teamwork. They have shown outstanding grit through the tournament. This victory has filled every Indian heart with pride and joy. Well done, Team India!"</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Champions! <br><br>Congratulations to the Indian team on winning the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup! <br><br>This remarkable triumph reflects exceptional skills, determination and teamwork. They have shown outstanding grit through the tournament. <br><br>This victory has filled every Indian heart with…</p>&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/2030693962491847008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>India defeated New Zealand by 96 runs at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. With this win, India became the first team to successfully defend their T20 World Cup title and also secured a record third championship.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read - </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-beat-new-zealand-in-ahmedabad-to-win-3rd-t20-world-cup-title-script-history-sanju-samson-abhishek-sharma-jasprit-bumrah-shivam-dube-1772987200533"><strong>T20 World Cup 2026: India crush New Zealand in Ahmedabad to win record 3rd title, script history</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Union Home Minister Amit Shah also praised the team, calling it a “victory that has brought glory and pride to the nation."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“What a victory…!! Hats-off to World Champion #TeamIndia. Your exceptional performance throughout the tournament and the vigorous display of mettle has brought glory and pride for the nation," Shah wrote.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read - </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/records-shatter-in-ahmedabad-as-ind-post-highest-team-total-in-t20-wc-final-nz-need-256-to-win-1772982287449"><strong>India post highest team total in T20 WC Final; New Zealand need 256 to win</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Google CEO Sundar Pichai took to X and shared, “Congrats India on winning the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup! chose the wrong game to go watch:) what a stadium and atmosphere. Well played to the other semi finalists, SA, Eng and Nz!! Also so exciting to see the game expand to so many countries and congrats to ICC for a great tournament!"</p>

With this win, India became the first team to successfully defend their T20 World Cup title and also secured a record third championship.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (Mar 8) congratulated the Team India for their historic victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, saying the team showed “outstanding grit, determination and teamwork." In a post on X, he wrote, “Champions! Congratulations to the Indian team on winning the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup! This remarkable triumph reflects exceptional skills, determination and teamwork. They have shown outstanding grit through the tournament. This victory has filled every Indian heart with pride and joy. Well done, Team India!"

<p>With this win, India became the first team to successfully defend their T20 World Cup title and also secured a record third championship.</p>

PM Modi applauds Team India’s T20 World Cup triumph, says they showed ‘outstanding grit’

<p>Team India has won its record third T20 World Cup title in Ahmedabad on Sunday (Mar 8), beating New Zealand in a lop-sided contest by 96 runs. The Men in Blue have created history at the venue where they suffered their cruellest heartbreak in 2023, becoming the first team to defend its T20 crown and win the World Cup at home, surpassing England and West Indies to do it three times overall, most by any team.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The heartbreak of 2023 is finally over. At the same stadium where a billion dreams broke three years ago, Team India flipped the script on Sunday. This win over New Zealand wasn't just about the title but about healing for the fans and a fresh start for Indian cricket.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Meanwhile, batting first after losing the toss, the Indian openers made a mockery of the Kiwi bowling attack by smashing runs and records for fun. Underperforming Abhishek Sharma roared back to form with his second fifty of the tournament, while stitching 92 runs with Sanju Samson inside the Powerplay, a new record. Although they could add just six more to the tally before Sharma departed, Samson’s onslaught dragged New Zealand away from the win.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>The right-hander completed his third straight fifty in this T20 World Cup, with all coming at the crucial stages. Ishan Kishan, on the other hand, also smashed a quickfire half-century, helping India cross 200 inside the 16 overs. With the runs and momentum on their side, India had almost already sealed the final’s fate by then; however, a cluster of wickets in the same over held them back. Three wickets off Jimmy Neesham, including captain Suryakumar Yadav on a first-ball duck, saw New Zealand crawl back a little in this game.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>But after a couple of good overs, Shivam Dube rocked the stadium with his eight-ball unbeaten 26, including two sixes and three fours. His late blitz helped India post their third 250-plus score in this edition alone, also the third-highest ever (255/6) in 20 overs.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/records-shatter-in-ahmedabad-as-ind-post-highest-team-total-in-t20-wc-final-nz-need-256-to-win-1772982287449"><strong>Records shatter in Ahmedabad as IND post highest team total in T20 WC Final; NZ need 256 to win</strong></a></p><h3>No Allen-Seifert show in Ahmedabad</h3><p>The Kiwi openers, Tim Seifert and Finn Allen, who ended South Africa’s unbeaten run and the dream to reach successive finals with a record stand in the first semifinal, failed to get going on the day it mattered the most. Despite a solid start, including a 17-run first over by Hardik Pandya, both got out to spinners, with Jasprit Bumrah and Pandya reducing them to 72 for five in the run chase.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>After a brief period of quick runs from New Zealand’s lower-middle order, Axar Patel struck gold by picking up Daryl Mitchell caught in the deep on 17, his third of the day.&nbsp;Bumrah returned to haunt the Kiwis, removing Jimmy Neesham and Matt Henry off successive balls, reducing New Zealand to 141 for eight. The ace seamer then removed New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner, clean bowled on 43, to complete his fourth of the day. He finished with the figures of four for 15 - the best-ever in a T20 WC Final.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Abhishek Sharma, who hogged all the limelight for his form and no-form, picked the last Kiwi wicket to help India win the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.</p>

The heartbreak of 2023 is finally over! India crushed New Zealand in Ahmedabad to lift a record 3rd T20 World Cup title. From a record 92-run Powerplay to Sanju Samson's masterclass and Shivam Dube’s late blitz, read how the Men in Blue scripted a historic win on home soil.

Team India has won its record third T20 World Cup title in Ahmedabad on Sunday (Mar 8), beating New Zealand in a lop-sided contest by 96 runs. The Men in Blue have created history at the venue where they suffered their cruellest heartbreak in 2023, becoming the first team to defend its T20 crown and win the World Cup at home, surpassing England and West Indies to do it three times overall, most by any team. The heartbreak of 2023 is finally over. At the same stadium where a billion dreams broke three years ago, Team India flipped the script on Sunday. This win over New Zealand wasn't just about the title but about healing for the fans and a fresh start for Indian cricket. Meanwhile, batting first after losing the toss, the Indian openers made a mockery of the Kiwi bowling attack by smashing runs and records for fun. Underperforming Abhishek Sharma roared back to form with his second fifty of the tournament, while stitching 92 runs with Sanju Samson inside the Powerplay, a new record. Although they could add just six more to the tally before Sharma departed, Samson’s onslaught dragged New Zealand away from the win. The right-hander completed his third straight fifty in this T20 World Cup, with all coming at the crucial stages. Ishan Kishan, on the other hand, also smashed a quickfire half-century, helping India cross 200 inside the 16 overs. With the runs and momentum on their side, India had almost already sealed the final’s fate by then; however, a cluster of wickets in the same over held them back. Three wickets off Jimmy Neesham, including captain Suryakumar Yadav on a first-ball duck, saw New Zealand crawl back a little in this game. But after a couple of good overs, Shivam Dube rocked the stadium with his eight-ball unbeaten 26, including two sixes and three fours. His late blitz helped India post their third 250-plus score in this edition alone, also the third-highest ever (255/6) in 20 overs. Also read | Records shatter in Ahmedabad as IND post highest team total in T20 WC Final; NZ need 256 to win No Allen-Seifert show in Ahmedabad The Kiwi openers, Tim Seifert and Finn Allen, who ended South Africa’s unbeaten run and the dream to reach successive finals with a record stand in the first semifinal, failed to get going on the day it mattered the most. Despite a solid start, including a 17-run first over by Hardik Pandya, both got out to spinners, with Jasprit Bumrah and Pandya reducing them to 72 for five in the run chase. After a brief period of quick runs from New Zealand’s lower-middle order, Axar Patel struck gold by picking up Daryl Mitchell caught in the deep on 17, his third of the day. Bumrah returned to haunt the Kiwis, removing Jimmy Neesham and Matt Henry off successive balls, reducing New Zealand to 141 for eight. The ace seamer then removed New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner, clean bowled on 43, to complete his fourth of the day. He finished with the figures of four for 15 - the best-ever in a T20 WC Final. Abhishek Sharma, who hogged all the limelight for his form and no-form, picked the last Kiwi wicket to help India win the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.

<p>The heartbreak of 2023 is finally over! India crushed New Zealand in Ahmedabad to lift a record 3rd T20 World Cup title. From a record 92-run Powerplay to Sanju Samson's masterclass and Shivam Dube’s late blitz, read how the Men in Blue scripted a historic win on home soil.</p>

T20 World Cup 2026: India crush New Zealand in Ahmedabad to win record 3rd title, script history

<p>India scored a massive 255/5 in 20 overs against New Zealand in the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday (Mar 8). Openers Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma gave India a strong start. Sharma smashed a quick half-century in just 17 balls, while Samson played a brilliant innings of 89 runs from 46 balls, hitting eight sixes and five fours. Ishan Kishan also contributed with an impressive 54 off 25 balls, which included four sixes and four fours.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>India were in complete control until the 15th over, when James Neesham turned the game for New Zealand, as he took three wickets in a single over, dismissing captain Suryakumar Yadav for a duck and removing the well-set Samson and Kishan.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read - </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-super-8-james-anderson-stunned-by-jasprit-bumrah-six-yorker-masterclass-vs-england-in-mumbai-1772978681775"><strong>‘He’s a Freak!’ James Anderson stunned by Bumrah’s six-yorker masterclass vs ENG in Mumbai</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Towards the end, Shivam Dube played a quick cameo, scoring 26 not out from just eight balls with three fours and two sixes, helping India reach the huge total.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For New Zealand, Neesham was the standout bowler with three wickets for 46 runs in four overs. Matt Henry and Rachin Ravindra took one wicket each.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read - </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lakshya-sen-finishes-runner-up-as-lin-chun-yi-wins-all-england-open-2026-1772977590033"><strong>Lakshya Sen finishes runner-up as Lin Chun-yi wins All England Open 2026</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Now, all eyes will be on how the New Zealand batting line-up responds to the daunting target of 256. India, on the other hand, have a strong bowling attack led by Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh. New Zealand also have a powerful batting unit, with players like Finn Allen and Tim Seifert in excellent form, which could make the chase exciting.</p>

Now, all eyes will be on how New Zealand’s batting lineup responds to the big target. India, on the other hand, have a strong bowling attack led by Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh.

India scored a massive 255/5 in 20 overs against New Zealand in the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday (Mar 8). Openers Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma gave India a strong start. Sharma smashed a quick half-century in just 17 balls, while Samson played a brilliant innings of 89 runs from 46 balls, hitting eight sixes and five fours. Ishan Kishan also contributed with an impressive 54 off 25 balls, which included four sixes and four fours. India were in complete control until the 15th over, when James Neesham turned the game for New Zealand, as he took three wickets in a single over, dismissing captain Suryakumar Yadav for a duck and removing the well-set Samson and Kishan. Also Read - ‘He’s a Freak!’ James Anderson stunned by Bumrah’s six-yorker masterclass vs ENG in Mumbai Towards the end, Shivam Dube played a quick cameo, scoring 26 not out from just eight balls with three fours and two sixes, helping India reach the huge total. For New Zealand, Neesham was the standout bowler with three wickets for 46 runs in four overs. Matt Henry and Rachin Ravindra took one wicket each. Also Read - Lakshya Sen finishes runner-up as Lin Chun-yi wins All England Open 2026 Now, all eyes will be on how the New Zealand batting line-up responds to the daunting target of 256. India, on the other hand, have a strong bowling attack led by Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh. New Zealand also have a powerful batting unit, with players like Finn Allen and Tim Seifert in excellent form, which could make the chase exciting.

<p>Now, all eyes will be on how New Zealand’s batting lineup responds to the big target. India, on the other hand, have a strong bowling attack led by Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh.</p>

Records shatter in Ahmedabad as IND post highest team total in T20 WC Final; NZ need 256 to win

The Indian Team just created history by registering the highest score in the Powerplays in the T20 World Cup, and that too against New Zealand in the final. It’s time we take a look at the top five instances of the highest team total within the first six overs in T20 WCs.

<p>The Indian Team just created history by registering the highest score in the Powerplays in the T20 World Cup, and that too against New Zealand in the final. It’s time we take a look at the top five instances of the highest team total within the first six overs in T20 WCs.</p>

92/0! India equal all-time record for most powerplay runs in T20 World Cups; check full list

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