Ahmedabad: India secured a historic victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 final, defeating the New Zealand national cricket team by 96 runs in Ahmedabad to lift their third T20 World Cup title and second in a row.
Speaking on ‘Amul Cricket Live’ on Star Sports, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar described the achievement as one of the most remarkable moments in Indian cricket. He emphasised that winning global tournaments is far more challenging than bilateral series because there is almost no room for mistakes and the pressure on players representing over a billion people is immense.
Gavaskar noted that defending a world title is especially difficult, as opposing teams prepare extensively to dethrone the champions. He also highlighted how competitive the tournament had been, with emerging teams performing strongly and established sides facing tough challenges.
Samson’s Remarkable Turnaround
Gavaskar also praised Sanju Samson for his impressive turnaround during the tournament. The wicketkeeper-batter had endured a disappointing series against the New Zealand national cricket team before the World Cup and initially struggled to secure a place in the playing XI.
However, Samson’s fortunes changed during the later stages of the tournament. According to Gavaskar, his confident performances in high-pressure matches—especially during crucial knockout-stage games and the final—demonstrated both skill and mental strength. Delivering under such pressure, he added, could define Samson’s career.
Bumrah’s Match-Winning Impact
Former India spinner Piyush Chawla lauded fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah for his outstanding performance throughout the tournament. Chawla described Bumrah as one of India’s most valuable players, capable of troubling even the world’s best batters.
He pointed out that Bumrah’s ability to vary pace and deliver crucial wickets in key moments played a decisive role in India’s success. In the final, despite batting-friendly conditions, Bumrah’s clever use of slower deliveries helped him claim important wickets and control the game.
Hardik Pandya Reflects on Personal Journey
India all-rounder Hardik Pandya also reflected on the emotional significance of winning consecutive T20 World Cups. He revealed that the 2024 tournament came at a difficult time in his personal life, motivating him to work harder and prove himself again.
Pandya said lifting another World Cup trophy in Ahmedabad was deeply meaningful and reinforced his commitment to contributing to India’s success in every tournament he plays. He credited the support of close family members and loved ones for helping him stay focused and overcome challenging phases.
India’s dominant victory in the final capped a memorable campaign and further strengthened the team’s legacy in international T20 cricket.
