History was rewritten in Ahmedabad on Sunday night as the India national cricket team achieved a remarkable milestone in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. India defeated the New Zealand national cricket team by a dominant 96-run margin in the final at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium, becoming the first team in history to win consecutive T20 World Cup titles while also lifting the trophy on home soil.
The triumph was equally special for India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir. The former opener added another remarkable achievement to his career, becoming one of the rare figures in world cricket to win the T20 World Cup both as a player and as a coach.
However, Gambhir was quick to shift the spotlight away from himself during the post-match press conference. Instead, he dedicated the historic victory to three key figures who, according to him, played a major role in shaping the current Indian cricket system: Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman, and Ajit Agarkar.
“I would dedicate this trophy to Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman,” Gautam Gambhir said. “To Rahul bhai for putting the Indian team in a place and Laxman for creating a pipeline at the CoE.” The head coach also acknowledged the efforts of India’s chief selector. “Ajit Agarkar, who took a lot of flak and worked with a lot of honesty,” Gambhir noted, while also expressing gratitude to Jay Shah for backing him during difficult phases.
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“During the lowest ebb in my tenure after losing to New Zealand and then South Africa in the Test series at home, he called me.” Gambhir also made it clear where his true accountability lies. “My accountability is not for people on social media,” he stated firmly. “My accountability is to those 30 people in that change room. A coach is as good as his team. Players made me the coach I am.”
Gautam Gambhir said, ” I want to dedicate this T20 World Cup to Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman. What Rahul Bhai has done for Indian cricket. VVS for how he has been leading the CoE”.#INDvsNZ pic.twitter.com/Psm1kRRQjv
— Khan (@ccricket713) March 9, 2026
India’s victory itself was built on a fearless brand of cricket. The hosts produced a sensational batting display, posting 255/5 in 20 overs, before bowling New Zealand out for 159 to seal the emphatic win. Gambhir revealed that this fearless approach was a conscious strategy.
“We have to let go of fear of losing. Rather than playing conservative cricket, getting out for 120 is okay,” he explained. “The hallmark has been bravery and showing courage to score 250 in semis and finals.” The coach also praised captain Suryakumar Yadav for his leadership and strong partnership with the team management.
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“Surya made my job easier. He has been a leader who is a father figure,” Gautam Gambhir said. “The bigger purpose is to celebrate trophies, not milestones. For too many years, we have celebrated milestones.” With this victory, India not only lifted another global title but also reinforced a philosophy focused on team success over individual achievements, a mindset that could define the next era of Indian cricket.
