Ahmedabad: “It will take me a while to understand this but I am extremely happy,” captain Suryakumar Yadav said soon after India created history at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday evening. The Indian captain looked back on a long journey that began shortly after the 2024 World Cup and ended with a historic triumph in front of a cheering home crowd. “We have been playing good cricket for the last two years and we just wanted to continue the habits we developed during the 2024 World Cup. The boys have taken to this approach brilliantly. I have always believed in what they are capable of,” he said as India beat New Zealand by a massive 96 runs to win the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
With this, India achieved several milestones on a memorable evening. The team successfully defended the T20 World Cup title, becoming the first nation in the tournament’s history to achieve this feat. The victory also marked India’s third T20 World Cup title and their first triumph on home soil. The atmosphere at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad was electric as a sea of blue celebrated one of the most dominant performances in a World Cup final.
India, who batted first, put in an exceptional batting performance and posted their highest ever total in a T20 World Cup final. Suryakumar Yadav’s side managed a mammoth 255 for five in their 20 overs, leaving New Zealand a daunting target that ultimately proved too high to chase.
The attack was led with the bat by Sanju Samson, whose elegant yet powerful knock of 89 runs set the tone for the innings. Samson combined composure with controlled aggression to ensure India maintained their momentum throughout the middle overs. His innings played a crucial role in guiding India to a confident total and later earned him the Player of the Tournament award.
As Samson reflected on his journey, he admitted that the moment felt surreal. “It feels like a dream. I’m very happy and grateful, but honestly I’m at a loss for words and feelings,” he said after the game.
Samson revealed that success did not come overnight but was the result of years of mental preparation and persistence. “To be honest, it started a year or two ago. During the 2024 World Cup, I was part of the squad but didn’t get a chance to play. During that time, I kept imagining situations like this and worked hard so that I was ready when my moment came,” he explained.
The wicketkeeper-batter also spoke candidly about the difficult phase he went through after a disappointing series in New Zealand earlier in his career. “After the New Zealand series I was broken. My dreams felt shattered and I kept wondering what I could do differently. But sometimes life has other plans. I think I was rewarded for being brave enough to keep dreaming,” Samson said.
He also acknowledged the guidance he received from cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, with whom he had been in constant touch over the past few months. “I reached out to Sachin sir and had long conversations with him. When someone like him guides you, there is nothing bigger than that. I am extremely grateful to everyone who supported me,” he added.
While Samson laid the foundation, Abhishek Sharma provided the explosive momentum that gave New Zealand the game. Sharma hit the fastest half-century of the tournament, reaching the milestone in just 18 balls, stunning the opposition bowlers. His fearless batting ensured India picked up the pace dramatically in the second half of the innings.
Later, speaking about his performance, Sharma admitted that the tournament was an emotional challenge for him. “The captain and the coach showed a lot of trust in me. Even when I doubted myself, they always supported me. This tournament wasn’t easy for me personally, but the team’s belief kept me going,” he said.
Sharma revealed that he had an emotional conversation with the team management during the competition. “At some point in the tournament I got emotional and spoke to the captain and the coach. They told me I would win games for India. Hearing that meant a lot to me. I love this team because everyone supports each other.”
India’s aggressive batting line-up received further impetus from Ishan Kishan, who hammered 54 off just 25 balls, and Shivam Dube, who played a stunning cameo of 26 runs from eight balls. Their quick runs ensured India crossed the 250 mark, which put huge pressure on the New Zealand batting unit.
Dube later explained that his role in the team was clearly defined from the start of the tournament. “My job has always been to come in and hit big sixes. From day one of the tournament, I was given that role. I always believe that I can break the barrier if given the opportunity,” he said.
Chasing a massive 256 for victory, New Zealand never quite managed to gain control of the race. The Indian bowling attack, led by the experienced Jasprit Bumrah and the ever-reliable Axar Patel, dismantled the Kiwis’ batting order.
Bumrah scored the winner with four wickets while Axar Patel contributed with three wickets as New Zealand were eventually bowled out for 159 in 19 overs.
For Bumrah, the victory was of great personal significance as the final was played at his home ground. The Indian pacer was named player of the match for his outstanding performance.
“This win feels very special,” Bumrah said after the game. “I had already played a final at this stadium but couldn’t win it. Winning here today in front of a home crowd is very emotional.”
Bumrah explained that he approached the game with a clear strategy after realizing that the pitch was favorable for batting. “I knew the wicket was quite flat so I had to rely on experience. Sometimes bowling too fast on such surfaces makes it easier for the batsmen. So I tried to bowl smart, change my pace and use slower shots,” he said.
The pacer also praised the communication within the bowling group during the game. “When we discuss strategies, everyone contributes their ideas. The key was that we never panicked. Teams that stay calm under pressure usually end up winning tournaments.”
Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya was visibly emotional after the win and reflected on the journey and the meaning of winning a home World Cup.
“Winning a World Cup in India is very special,” said Pandya. “The enthusiasm of the fans and the love we receive from people is incredible.”
Pandya also spoke about the confidence he carried into the final. “Since yesterday I believed that we were champions. There was no other result in my mind. Losing never crossed my mind,” he admitted.
The all-rounder, who is known for his fearlessness, has also set himself ambitious goals for the future. “I think I have 10 more years of cricket left in me and I want to win 10 more ICC titles. That’s my goal,” he said with a smile.
Pandya also praised the efforts of Samson and Kishan and stressed the importance of patience and perseverance in sports. “Life teaches you many things. If you work hard and are happy for other people’s success, opportunities will eventually open up for you. That’s the lesson for everyone.”
Young all-rounder Tilak Varma highlighted the preparation that went into India’s successful campaign. “Over the last year and a half, we have been preparing to bat at every position in the team. This flexibility helped us a lot during the tournament,” he said.
Varma also praised the team’s fielding efforts. “Today I wouldn’t say it was our best fielding performance, but we still took some very good catches. At the end of the day, the most important thing is that we won the final.”
India fast bowler Arshdeep Singh shared a lighter moment from the game and revealed that he apologized to New Zealander Mitchell during the game after an accidental throw hit him. “The ball swung backwards when I threw it and it hit him, so I immediately ran to apologize,” he said.
Reflecting on the team’s success, Arshdeep praised the strength and balance of the squad. “This team has many match-winners and everyone contributes in different situations. As bowlers, our goal is simple: if the team scores 250 points, we try to restrict the opponent to less than 250 points.”
Meanwhile, New Zealand captain Mitch Santner graciously acknowledged India’s superiority on the night. “I’m proud of our boys for reaching the final. We faced many challenges during the tournament but always fought hard,” he said.
Santner admitted that India were the better team in the final. “Today we were outplayed by a fantastic team in front of an incredible crowd. Hosting a World Cup at home brings pressure, but SKY and their team handled it brilliantly.”
As fireworks lit up the sky over Ahmedabad and the stadium was filled with celebrations, Suryakumar Yadav reflected on the journey that had led India to this moment.
“It was very important for me as captain to understand each player’s strengths,” he said. “I knew this team could win the game and that they would deliver when it mattered most.”
The captain gave special praise to Jasprit Bumrah and called him one of the best bowlers of modern times.
“Bumrah is truly a unique bowler,” said Suryakumar. “I can call him a national treasure. He knows exactly what to do in big games and he always delivers.”
For India and its millions of cricket fans, this victory will be remembered as a defining moment – a night when a confident and fearless team once again conquered the world, this time in front of their own people.
