India became the first team to win consecutive T20 World Cups, defeating New Zealand by 96 runs in the final of the 2026 tournament in Ahmedabad. India also became the first country to win the title at home, and the first three-time champion in the tournament’s history. Sanju Samson, who led India with 89 runs from 46 balls against New Zealand, was named Player of the Tournament. Player of the Match honors in the final went to Jasprit Bumrah, who finished as the tournament’s joint-leading wicket taker, with 14 from eight matches.
Samson has struggled with consistency in his career and was not in India’s playing XI at the start of the tournament, before making a name for himself with several stellar performances. “I feel that all the pain, setbacks, and disappointments in life and in my career, if used positively, can be a great strength in your life,” he said. “That’s what happened, and I’m very grateful.” Along with the 2025 Champions Trophy, India has now won the last three men’s white-ball tournaments.
Compiled and partly written by Indian humorist MELVIN DURAI, author of the novel Bala Takes the Plunge. [Comments? Contributions? Please email us at melvin@melvindurai.com. We welcome jokes, quotes, online clips, and more.]