Gautam Gambhir Celebrates T20 World Cup Victory, Credits Key Figures in Indian Cricket

In a remarkable display of skill and strategy, India clinched their third T20 World Cup title under coach Gautam Gambhir. Following the victory, Gambhir dedicated the win to former coach Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman, emphasizing their contributions to Indian cricket. He praised the team's bravery and professionalism, highlighting a shift in approach towards aggressive scoring. The match saw India set a record total of 255 runs, leading to a decisive victory over New Zealand. Gambhir's insights into tactical decisions and player management reveal a promising future for Indian cricket. Read on to discover more about this historic win and Gambhir's reflections.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 9, 2026, 04:02 IST

Celebrating a Historic Win

Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], March 9: After leading his team to victory in the T20 World Cup, Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir paid tribute to former coach Rahul Dravid, who ended an 11-year trophy drought with the 2024 win. He also acknowledged VVS Laxman, the head of the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru, referring to it as a crucial 'pipeline for Indian cricket.'

Back-to-Back Champions

India secured their third T20 World Cup title by defeating New Zealand by 96 runs, marking a historic achievement as the first team to defend the title and win it on home soil.

Gambhir's Gratitude

In a post-match press conference, Gambhir expressed his gratitude, stating, "I dedicate this trophy to Rahul bhai and VVS bhai for their immense contributions to Indian cricket. Rahul bhai has kept the team in excellent shape during his tenure, and VVS has tirelessly supported Indian cricket behind the scenes."

Acknowledging Support

He also thanked Jay Shah, the ICC chairman, who was the BCCI secretary during the T20 World Cup, for his unwavering support during challenging times, including losses to New Zealand and South Africa.

Team Effort

Gambhir emphasized that the team's success was a collective effort, stating, "The players deserve the credit for their professionalism and bravery throughout the tournament. We aimed to change our approach in ICC tournaments, focusing on scoring over 250 runs rather than playing it safe."

Tactical Decisions

He discussed the strategic decision to include Sanju in the lineup after a disappointing series against New Zealand, highlighting the importance of tactical changes and the depth of the squad.

Match Highlights

In the final match, New Zealand won the toss and chose to field first. Abhishek Sharma's explosive 52 off 21 balls and a strong partnership with Samson helped India post a record total of 255/5, the highest in T20 World Cup finals. In response, New Zealand struggled, with Axar Patel and Jasprit Bumrah leading the bowling attack, ultimately bowing out for just 159 runs.

Conclusion

Gambhir's leadership and the team's performance have set a new standard in T20 cricket, showcasing their potential for future tournaments.