A packed Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad witnessed a historic night as India defeated New Zealand by a massive 96 runs to win the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 final on Sunday (March 8). The victory helped India secure a record third T20 World Cup title and underline their dominance as defending champions.
Soon after India’s win, social media was also flooded with praises and congratulatory messages, here are some selected reactions from the Indian celebrities:
Legendary Sachin Tendulkar took to X and wrote, “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!”
https://x.com/sachin_rt/status/2030694859976438163
Virat Kohli tweeted, “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”
https://x.com/imVkohli/status/2030694104628363607
Superstar Shah Rukh Khan wrote, “What a comprehensive victory!! Well done to our men in blue!!! You guys are champions and watching you on the field has made us all very proud. Take a bow. Jai Hind!”
https://x.com/iamsrk/status/2030725900371923183
Abhishek Bachchan tweeted, “INDIAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!! CHAMPIONS!!!”
https://x.com/juniorbachchan/status/2030694172903227437
Yuvraj Singh’s message read, “Back-to-back #WorldChampions! Defending a #WorldCup takes character and this team led by @surya_14kumar played with real intent on the biggest stage! @IamSanjuSamson @ishankishan51 @OfficialAbhi04 were outstanding in the final. Sanju, across the opportunities showed again why he’s a match winner. Ishan was consistent right through and played a solid role in India’s run. @IamShivamDube @hardikpandya7 shifted momentum at will when the game demanded it. @Jaspritbumrah93 was truly special, the tougher the situation the better he got! @akshar2026 was magical with the ball, picking up crucial wickets, with Hardik, @arshdeepsinghh and #VarunChakaravarthy keeping the pressure on throughout. Congratulations to coach @GautamGambhir and the entire support staff as well! A lot of hard work goes into moments like this! India, World Champions again.”
https://x.com/YUVSTRONG12/status/2030693552930664869
Suresh Raina wrote, “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 & @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!”
https://x.com/ImRaina/status/2030700892501196931
Shashi Tharoor posted, “Celebrating my 70th birthday a day in advance with India’s magnificent win the #icct20worldcup2026 ! And another incredible performance, for the third match in a row, by my Thiruvananthapuram hero @IamSanjuSamson ! What more could one ask for ?!!”
https://x.com/ShashiTharoor/status/2030698173480788004
Mohanlal shared, “THE TRICOLOUR FLIES SUPREME! THE CUP STAYS HOME! India writes history as the first team to retain the T20 World Cup, standing alone as three-time champions! A night of dominance that will be etched in gold forever. Well done, #TeamIndia ! A relentless journey defined by Gambhir’s tactics, Surya’s leadership, and the genius of Bumrah, Axar, Ishan, Abhishek, Dube, and every players in the squad. To my dear @IamSanjuSamson our Player of the Tournament! A “Rarest of Rare” hat-trick of match-winning knocks in the Super 8, Semi-Final, and the Final. Your consistency and class have been the heartbeat of this campaign. A historic achievement that makes us all incredibly proud.”
https://x.com/Mohanlal/status/2030715478587654490
Mammootty wrote on X, “CHAMPIONS OF THE WORLD! Congratulations to Team India for a dominant campaign to lift the #T20WorldCup26 trophy. Special congratulations Dear @IamSanjuSamson for winning the ICC Player of the Tournament after an outstanding World Cup performance.”
https://x.com/mammukka/status/2030704911995068612
Wasim Jaffer wrote, “Whenever India needed someone put their hand up and got the team through. Of course Sanju with the bat and Bumrah with ball were the brightest stars but this has been a complete team effort! Well played champions, to stick to your guns and play no fear cricket in the high pressure of a home WC is commendable. Deserving winners! Congratulations @surya_14kumar @GautamGambhir @BCCI and all involved”
https://x.com/WasimJaffer14/status/2030694993191706961
Mohammed Kaif tweeted, “We won !!! It’s that dream night where history defeated back to back WC win for team india!!”
https://x.com/MohammadKaif/status/2030696196910850436
About the match:
India’s batting unit delivered a stunning performance in the title clash. Sanju Samson led the charge with a sensational 89, while Abhishek Sharma (52) and Ishan Kishan (54) added explosive half-centuries. The trio attacked from the start, smashing sixes regularly and leaving the New Zealand bowlers struggling to respond.
Batting first, India piled up a massive 255 for five, the highest total ever recorded in a T20 World Cup final. The aggressive approach set the tone for a commanding performance on the biggest stage of the tournament.
The fireworks began early as Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma launched a fearless assault on the Kiwi bowlers. The pair played bold strokes all around the ground and raced to a stunning 98-run opening partnership in just 7.1 overs, putting New Zealand under immediate pressure.
India continued their aggressive approach even after the opening stand. The batters showed complete control and confidence, pushing the scoring rate at an incredible pace. By the 15th over, India had already crossed the 200-run mark, putting the final firmly in their control.
New Zealand briefly fought back when James Neesham struck in the 16th over. The pacer removed Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan and captain Suryakumar Yadav (0) within six deliveries, slowing down India’s momentum and preventing the score from becoming even bigger.
Hardik Pandya managed only 18 before departing but Shivam Dube ensured India finished strongly. The left-hander remained unbeaten on 26 and smashed 24 runs in the final over off James Neesham. Thanks to his late burst, India added 52 runs in the last five overs, ending with an intimidating total.
Chasing 256 in a World Cup final proved far too difficult for New Zealand. The pressure of the huge target forced the Black Caps to play aggressively from the beginning but the plan quickly backfired.
India’s bowlers struck early blows as Finn Allen was dismissed for 9 and the dangerous Glenn Phillips fell for just 5. With two key players gone quickly, New Zealand’s hopes of mounting a serious challenge faded rapidly.
India tightened their grip through disciplined bowling. Axar Patel delivered an impressive spell, taking 3 for 27, while Jasprit Bumrah was devastating with the ball, finishing with 4 for 15.
Only Tim Seifert offered some resistance with a quick 52 off 26 balls but once he was dismissed, the result was almost certain. New Zealand’s batting line-up collapsed under relentless pressure as India marched towards a comfortable win.
By the end of the match, India had sealed a dominant victory and etched their name in the history books with a third T20 World Cup title, celebrating a memorable triumph in front of a roaring home crowd in Ahmedabad.
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