India’s victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 drew praise from political leaders across the country, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulating the national team for what he described as a triumph built on “exceptional skills, determination, and teamwork”.

India defeated New Zealand by 96 runs in the final, securing the title and becoming the first team to win the T20 World Cup three times.

In a message posted online, the prime minister said the team showed remarkable resilience throughout the tournament and made the nation proud.

“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,” he wrote.

President Murmu congratulates team

President Droupadi Murmu also congratulated the players and the support staff, saying the achievement marked a historic moment for Indian cricket.

She said the win had brought immense pride and happiness to cricket lovers across the country and highlighted the depth of talent among India’s youth.

“Heartiest congratulations to Team India which scaled several peaks of history by winning the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup emphatically. India has the proud distinction of being the only country to win the cup three times. It is also the only team to win the cup twice in a row,” she said in her message.

The president also praised the entire squad, team management, and support staff for their collective effort.

Amit Shah hails team’s performance

Union Home Minister Amit Shah applauded the team for its consistent performance during the tournament and said the victory had brought glory to the country.

“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. Congratulations to the entire team for making every Indian proud,” he said.

India dominate the final

Led by captain Suryakumar Yadav, India delivered a dominant performance in the final.

Batting first after losing the toss, India posted a massive total of 255 runs. Sanju Samson played a crucial innings of 89 runs, while Abhishek Sharma struck the fastest half-century of the tournament off just 18 balls. Ishan Kishan also contributed with a quick 54 off 25 balls, helping India reach the highest total ever recorded in a T20 World Cup final.

India’s bowlers then sealed the victory with an impressive display. Jasprit Bumrah took four wickets for 15 runs, while Axar Patel picked up three wickets. Varun Chakravarthy, Abhishek Sharma, and Hardik Pandya claimed one wicket each.

The match ended when Abhishek Sharma dismissed New Zealand’s Jacob Duffy on the final ball of the 19th over, confirming India’s emphatic victory.

India’s victory in the 2026 T20 World Cup has become a moment of redemption for head coach Gautam Gambhir, who had faced heavy criticism after a series of Test defeats earlier in his tenure.

India defeated New Zealand national cricket team by 96 runs in the final to clinch their third T20 World Cup title, becoming the first team to achieve the feat. The win also marked the first time a team successfully defended the trophy after lifting it in the previous edition.

Gambhir says accountability lies within the dressing room

Speaking after the final, Gambhir said he does not measure his work based on public opinion or social media reactions.

“My accountability is not for people on social media. My accountability is to those 30 people in that change room,” Gambhir said during the post-match press conference.

The former India opener added that a coach’s success ultimately depends on the players.

“A coach is as good as his team. Players made me the coach I am,” he said.

Trophy dedicated to Dravid and Laxman

Despite celebrating a major triumph, Gambhir chose to acknowledge the contributions of two former India greats — Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman.

Dravid had guided India to the T20 World Cup title in 2024 before Gambhir took over the role, while Laxman currently heads the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence.

“I would dedicate this trophy to Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman. To Rahul bhai for putting the Indian team in a place and Laxman for creating the pipeline at the CoE,” Gambhir said.

He also expressed gratitude to chief selector Ajit Agarkar and ICC chairman Jay Shah, recalling their support during difficult phases.

“Ajit Agarkar took a lot of flak and worked with honesty. And Jay bhai called me during my lowest ebb after the losses to New Zealand and South Africa,” he noted.

India dominate final with bat and ball

India produced a commanding performance in the final. Batting first, the team posted a massive total of 255 for five.

Sanju Samson led the charge with a blistering 89, while Abhishek Sharma (52) and Ishan Kishan (54) struck quick half-centuries to put New Zealand under pressure.

Defending the total, India bowled out New Zealand for 159. Jasprit Bumrah starred with figures of 4 for 15, while Axar Patel claimed three wickets.

Suryakumar backs Gambhir’s philosophy

India captain Suryakumar Yadav praised Gambhir’s leadership and said the pair share a strong understanding built during their time at Kolkata Knight Riders.

“I played four years under GG’s captaincy. We have never had arguments because the goal has always been how the team can win,” Suryakumar said.

He also stressed that the team’s focus remains on collective success rather than individual milestones.

Looking ahead, the captain said India would now aim for gold when cricket makes its Olympic appearance at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

India scripted history by defeating New Zealand by 96 runs in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, becoming the first team to win the tournament three times and also the first to successfully defend the title.

Batting first after being put in, India produced a powerful performance with the bat to post 255 for 5 in 20 overs, the highest total ever recorded in a T20 World Cup final.

Sanju Samson led the charge with an impressive 89, while Abhishek Sharma played a stunning cameo, smashing the fastest half-century of the tournament off just 18 balls. Ishan Kishan added 54 from 25 balls and Shivam Dube provided late momentum with a quick 26 off only eight deliveries.

New Zealand fall short in steep chase

Chasing a daunting target of 256, New Zealand struggled to keep pace with the required run rate and were eventually bowled out for 159 in 19 overs.

Jasprit Bumrah delivered a match-winning spell, taking four wickets while conceding just 15 runs in his four overs. Axar Patel also made a strong impact with three wickets.

With the emphatic victory, India secured their third T20 World Cup title after previous triumphs in 2007 and 2024.

Historic achievement for India

The victory marked several milestones for the Indian team. They became the first side to:

• Win the T20 World Cup three times
  
• Defend the T20 World Cup title
  
• Win the tournament on home soil
  

The triumph also capped a successful era under captain Suryakumar Yadav and head coach Gautam Gambhir, with India continuing their dominance in the shortest format of the game.