Priceless moments were witnessed all around as India sealed their third T20 World Cup title and became the first team to defend their Men’s T20 World Cup crown at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Ahmedabad/New Delhi: India captain Suryakumar Yadav described the past month as ‘a wonderful journey’ following India’s emphatic victory over New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium to win the ICC Men's T20 World Cup at home and set gold at the LA 2028 Olympic his next target.
Reflecting on the highs and challenges of the tournament, Surya acknowledged that the start wasn’t easy, but the team’s resilience and collective performance made the campaign special.
“Obviously, it has been a wonderful journey in the last one month. Though it didn't start the way we wanted it to start, it's part of the sport. Throughout the journey till today, it has been very special. And collectively as a team, what we've achieved, I think it's right in front of you. So very happy with that,” Surya told the media.
The India skipper also looked ahead, revealing the team’s next big targets. “So very happy with that. And as you rightly said, definitely the next goal is the Olympics, Olympic Gold, and also the 2028 World Cup. Don't forget!”
Speaking of the World Cup final, India posted a daunting 255/5 batting first, the highest total in a T20 World Cup final, powered by Sanju Samson’s blistering 89 off 46 balls, alongside Ishan Kishan’s 54 and Abhishek Sharma’s explosive 52. The opening partnership of 98 between Samson and Sharma set the tone, while Shivam Dube’s late blitz helped India cross the 250-mark.
In response, New Zealand struggled against India’s disciplined bowling attack. Jasprit Bumrah led the charge with 4-15, supported by Axar Patel’s 3-27, dismantling the top order. Tim Seifert fought valiantly with 52, but wickets kept tumbling at regular intervals. India’s bowlers maintained relentless pressure, reducing New Zealand to 159 in 19 overs, completing a dominant 96-run victory.
The win made India the first team to retain a Men’s T20 World Cup and the first to win it three times. India head coach Gautam Gambhir said his focus was never on simply inheriting a successful side but on building a new identity for the team through fearless and attacking cricket.
BCCI announces massive Rs 131 crore cash rewardMumbai: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has declared a massive cash reward of Rs. 131 crore for the Indian Team after their victorious run in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The Men in Blue, who defended their T20 World Cup title at home, becoming the first team to do so, received Rs. 125 crore in 2024 following their victory in the prestigious tournament. The BCCI's cash reward increased by six crore rupees from 2024, when Rohit Sharma led the side to their first win since the inaugural edition. Led by Suryakumar Yadav, the Indian side also received a substantial financial reward from the International Cricket Council (ICC) after their title triumph. After registering a commanding 96-run victory over New Zealand in the final, India claimed the winner’s purse of USD 2.34 million (approximately Rs 21.5 crore) awarded by the International Cricket Council. The runners-up, New Zealand, received USD 1.17 million (around Rs 10.75 crore). |
(All photos courtesy: X@ICC)
