Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, Sachin Tendulkar applaud India’s third T20 World Cup title: 'Absolutely no match'

India clinched the T20 World Cup 2026 with a 96-run win over New Zealand in Ahmedabad. Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, and Ishan Kishan starred with the bat, while Jasprit Bumrah and Axar Patel turned up with the ball to seal the win. Cricket legends including Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, and Sachin Tendulkar congratulated Team India on their back-to-back World Cup triumph.

India became the first team to win back-to-back T20 World Cups. Image: AFP

FirstCricket Staff|Mar 08, 2026, 23:53:06 IST

India produced a dominant all-round performance to defeat New Zealand by 96 runs in the final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday. India became the first team to defend the T20 World Cup title, and that too at home.

India got off to a flying start thanks to Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson. The opening pair added 92 runs in the powerplay and put the New Zealand bowlers under tremendous pressure. Abhishek was the aggressor early on, smashing 52 off just 21 balls before being dismissed.

Samson continued the charge and played one of the finest innings in a T20 World Cup final. The wicketkeeper-batter smashed 89 off 46 balls, winning the Player of the Match award. Ishan Kishan also added some momentum in the middle overs with a brilliant 54 from 25 balls.

Kohli, Tendulkar and other legends react

Cricket legends congratulated India for their performance. 2024 T20 World Cup-winner Virat Kohli praised the team for their brilliant character and fighting spirit, while Ajinkya Rahane highlighted India’s teamwork. 2007 winner Yuvraj Singh called it a well-deserved title. Mayank Agarwal, Dinesh Karthik, and Shubman Gill also shared their happiness over India’s back-to-back World Cup triumphs.

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