India's Historic T20 World Cup Victory: A Celebration of Cricketing Excellence
India Crowned T20 World Champions Again
New Delhi: Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar praised India as "deserving and rightful champions" while former England captain Michael Vaughan called them the "best white-ball team by a significant margin" after India secured their third T20 World Cup title.
In a dominant display, India defeated New Zealand by 96 runs at the Narendra Modi Stadium, marking a historic achievement as the first team to win the T20 World Cup three times and successfully defend their title.
Tendulkar celebrated the team's remarkable performance, sharing moments of jubilation from outside his home in Mumbai.
"Winning the World Cup consecutively is a first for any team in T20 history. They are truly deserving champions. What an outstanding performance by our team and a unique style of cricket on display. Congratulations, Team India. Jai Hind!"
"I couldn't be in Mumbai to witness the celebrations happening outside my house and across the nation. What an incredible evening it has been. Fantastic job, Team India!"
Former captain Virat Kohli, who stepped away from T20 after this victory, commended the team's resilience and dominance.
"A phenomenal win for Team India in Ahmedabad. We played explosive cricket throughout the tournament. The boys showed remarkable character in challenging situations to become world champions again. Congratulations to all players and management for this achievement," Kohli expressed on social media.
ICC chairman Jay Shah also congratulated the team for their historic win while acknowledging New Zealand's impressive journey to the final.
"What an amazing finale to the most global and accessible ICC event ever! Congratulations to India for being the first team to win back-to-back T20 World Cup titles. Kudos to Suryakumar Yadav and the entire squad and staff. Also, hats off to the BLACKCAPS for their commendable campaign," Shah tweeted.
Sourav Ganguly, former captain and ex-BCCI president, remarked that this victory showcased the strength of Indian cricket at all levels.
"Congratulations to India for winning the T20 World Cup... A very powerful side... Improved in crucial matches... Indian cricket is in a great place. Champions in women's cricket, under-19, and now men's T20 champions," Ganguly posted.
Daren Sammy, former West Indies captain and current coach, reiterated that India was the team to beat throughout the tournament.
"As I said from the beginning, to win the ICC T20 World Cup, you must defeat India in a knockout match. No team managed that. Congratulations to BCCI on their third WT20 title. Tough luck to the BLACKCAPS, a very consistent team," wrote Sammy, whose team was eliminated by India in the Super Eight stage.
Vaughan emphasized India's dominance in white-ball cricket.
"India is the best T20 team by a considerable margin... and the best 50-over team as well. They have elevated the game to a new level," Vaughan stated, adding, "but they can be challenged in Test cricket..."
He selected Jasprit Bumrah as his player of the tournament, while Sanju Samson, with three crucial fifties in the quarterfinals, semifinals, and final, was awarded Player of the Tournament.
Herschelle Gibbs, former South African cricketer, congratulated India on their convincing victory.
"A convincing win by India, congratulations on bringing home the trophy," Gibbs wrote.
Indian Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill expressed pride in the team's achievement.
"So proud of our team. Winning a World Cup for India is a dream, and you have made the entire nation proud. Congratulations, boys," he tweeted.
Yuvraj Singh, the hero of India's 2011 World Cup win, praised the team's character in defending their title.
"Defending a World Cup requires character, and this team led by @surya_14kumar played with real intent on the biggest stage!"
Yuvraj highlighted several players for their performances, praising Sanju and Ishan Kishan for their consistency and noting Abhishek Sharma's outstanding performance in the final.
He also commended pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, stating, "The tougher the situation, the better he performed!"
Harbhajan Singh, former Indian off-spinner, expressed pride in the team's total domination.
"Total domination, well done Team India... super proud of our team," he wrote, adding that he had sent his congratulatory message in advance to avoid network congestion.
Aakash Chopra, former India opener and commentator, summarized the victory: "History repeated. History defeated. History created."
Former women's captain Jhulan Goswami reflected on the journey, stating, "What a journey from Wankhede to this! Witnessing the team lift the trophy in front of this crowd is pure magic. This group has earned every bit of this glory!"
Other sports personalities also extended their congratulations. Chess Grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi remarked, "Winning a World Cup final by almost 100 runs! Happy for India, but it was anticlimactic to watch..."
India's first individual Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra also celebrated the victory with a heart and the Indian tricolor emoji.
