Shahid Afridi Praises India's T20 World Cup Victory and Key Players

Shahid Afridi has expressed his admiration for the Indian cricket team following their T20 World Cup 2026 victory against New Zealand. He praised the team's depth and highlighted standout performances from players like Sanju Samson, who was named player of the series, and Jasprit Bumrah. Afridi emphasized the importance of a strong bench and commended the team's overall performance throughout the tournament. Discover more about Afridi's insights and the key players who contributed to India's success.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 9, 2026, 21:04 IST

India's Triumph in T20 World Cup 2026

Shahid Afridi expressed his admiration for the Indian cricket team following their victory in the T20 World Cup 2026, where they triumphed over New Zealand in the final match held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. India showcased an impressive performance throughout the tournament, suffering only one defeat against South Africa. Although they started off slowly, they quickly gained momentum and became a formidable force. Afridi noted that the Indian squad was exceptionally strong, suggesting that any player from their 15-member team could have contributed to their success. He remarked that the Indian cricket team played like true champions and rightfully earned the title. “The World Cup has concluded, and I believe India deserved this victory. Their team composition is excellent, and even the players on the bench were as capable as those in the playing XI. This highlights the importance of having a strong bench. India’s bench strength was remarkable; they could have seamlessly integrated any player into the starting lineup. They approached the entire tournament with a champion's mentality,” Afridi shared in a video posted on his X account.

Praise for Key Players: Samson, Kishan, and Bumrah

Afridi showered accolades on Sanju Samson, who was named player of the series for his outstanding contributions, including three match-winning innings against West Indies, England, and New Zealand. He also commended Ishan Kishan, who ranked as India's second-highest run scorer after Samson, along with the reliable Jasprit Bumrah. “Sanju Samson was exceptional. He seized his opportunity and showcased his ability to build innings with sensible hitting. Abhishek Sharma also had a commendable performance. Ishan Kishan delivered brilliantly, similar to his performance against Pakistan. Jasprit Bumrah has been the backbone of the bowling attack, consistently supporting India with his remarkable skills. Whether with the new ball, old ball, slower deliveries, or yorkers, he stands out as one of the best bowlers in my view,” Afridi added.