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The Times of India

Sports / The Times of India

'Indian cricket in golden phase': BCCI after T20 World Cup 2026 triumph

India has won the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. The team secured a commanding victory in the final. This win marks a historic achievement as India successfully defended its title. It is also the first time a nation has won the T20 World Cup on home soil. Captain Suryakumar Yadav led the team to this remarkable success.

9 Mar 2026 10:42 pm
Sri Lanka call off Afghanistan series in UAE due to Middle East conflict

Sri Lanka has indefinitely postponed their white-ball series against Afghanistan, originally set to take place in the UAE this week. The decision was made due to flight disruptions and ongoing regional conflict. The series, which included three T20s and three ODIs, has been cancelled, impacting the first bilateral series Afghanistan was to host.

9 Mar 2026 9:52 pm
Samson, Bumrah lead four Indians in ICC T20 World Cup Team of the Tournament

India secured a record third ICC Men's T20 World Cup title in 2026, with four players making the official Team of the Tournament. Player of the Tournament Sanju Samson led the charge with 321 runs, including a final-record 89. Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, and Jasprit Bumrah also earned spots for their stellar performances.

9 Mar 2026 8:23 pm
Yash Dhull Exclusive: Heart surgery, recovery and senior World Cup dream

Yash Dhull Exclusive: Heart surgery, recovery and senior World Cup dream

9 Mar 2026 8:16 pm
'I was facing a lot of difficulties personally': Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya celebrated India's back-to-back T20 World Cup victories, fulfilling a personal promise to win trophies for his country. After a redemption-focused 2024 win amidst personal struggles, Pandya's commitment to winning every tournament was validated by the 2026 title triumph in Ahmedabad, marking a significant achievement for the team.

9 Mar 2026 7:20 pm
Sri Lanka rope in Indias World Cup-winning architect as head coach

Gary Kirsten has been appointed as the new head coach of the Sri Lanka national cricket team, signing a two-year contract starting April 15, 2026. The former India World Cup-winning coach brings extensive international playing and coaching experience to the role. A key focus will be the upcoming ICC Men's Cricket World Cup.

9 Mar 2026 7:20 pm
'Virtually unbeatable': Ex-England captain reveals the secret behind Indias white-ball dominance

Michael Atherton hails India as the dominant force in white-ball cricket, highlighting their recent T20 World Cup triumph. He believes their consistent success across major tournaments positions them to potentially hold all three ICC white-ball trophies simultaneously. Nasser Hussain attributes this dominance to a powerful batting lineup and the exceptional bowling of Jasprit Bumrah.

9 Mar 2026 5:39 pm
'Nothing to do with the stadium': Harbhajan shuts down Ahmedabad 'panauti' talk

Former spinner Harbhajan Singh dismissed notions of the Ahmedabad stadium being unlucky for India. He emphasized that match outcomes hinge solely on player performance, citing Australia's superior play in the 2023 World Cup final. Harbhajan drew parallels to past perceptions of Eden Gardens, asserting that such beliefs stem from those unfamiliar with cricket's realities.

9 Mar 2026 4:52 pm
'You were in bad form, I was out for 2 years': Ishan to Abhishek

India's T20 World Cup 2026 heroes Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma shared their journeys of overcoming criticism and self-doubt. Kishan highlighted the importance of self-belief and hard work after a two-year absence, while Sharma credited the unwavering support of teammates and management for his crucial final performance. Both emphasized the power of positive company and continuous improvement.

9 Mar 2026 4:51 pm
'Afridi slapped Amir' during 2010 fixing scandal: Razzaq's explosive claim

A friend's phone repair inadvertently exposed the 2010 spot-fixing plot, revealing messages between a fixer and Pakistan players. Former selector Abdul Razzaq detailed how captain Shahid Afridi confronted young pacer Mohammad Amir, leading to a confession after a slap. This revelation ultimately brought the scandal to light, resulting in bans and jail time for the involved cricketers.

9 Mar 2026 4:07 pm
'Not punishment': Pakistan coach breaks silence on Babar Azam exclusion

Pakistan's white-ball coach Mike Hesson clarified that senior players' absence from the Bangladesh ODI series isn't punishment for the T20 World Cup exit. He emphasized it's an opportunity to test emerging talent, citing players like Sahabzada Farhan and Shamyl Hussain. However, former pacer Sikander Bakht alleged Hesson overruled selectors during World Cup squad finalization, creating internal friction.

9 Mar 2026 4:04 pm
Proud families celebrate Indias World Cup heroes | SKY, Abhishek & Axars loved ones react

Proud families celebrate Indias World Cup heroes | SKY, Abhishek & Axars loved ones react

9 Mar 2026 4:03 pm
'Paaji, kade hass vi leya karo': Arshdeep trolls Gambhir

Team India clinched their third T20 World Cup title, defeating New Zealand in a thrilling final. Celebrations erupted as players, including Arshdeep Singh playfully teasing head coach Gautam Gambhir, shared their joy. Captain Suryakumar Yadav highlighted the importance of mental resilience and team understanding in their historic home victory.

9 Mar 2026 3:30 pm
'Career was on the line': Gambhir makes huge Samson admission after World Cup glory

Head coach Gautam Gambhir lauded Sanju Samson's exceptional performances during India's T20 World Cup victory. Samson's match-winning contributions, especially in the final, showcased his character under pressure. Gambhir highlighted Samson's comeback and impactful innings, emphasizing his special talent and mental strength. This tournament marks a significant beginning for Samson's promising career.

9 Mar 2026 3:28 pm
Next stop Olympic gold: Surya sets LA 2028 target after India's T20 World Cup win

Fresh from a historic T20 World Cup victory at home, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav has declared the next major ambition: Olympic gold at the 2028 Los Angeles Games. Following a dominant win against New Zealand, Yadav emphasised the team's shift to an aggressive style, building on their 2024 triumph. He aims to continue this winning momentum for India.

9 Mar 2026 3:07 pm
'I am leaving Pakistan cricket': 24-year-old quits game, alleges corruption

A 24-year-old cricketer from Sialkot, Shahzaib Bhatti, has announced his departure from Pakistan cricket, citing politics, corruption, and a lack of structure in the domestic system. Despite playing a crucial role in his team's Quaid-e-Azam Trophy win, Bhatti claims he was sidelined for nearly 40 matches, leading him to abandon his dream of representing Pakistan.

9 Mar 2026 3:03 pm
Justice for Sanju: A true Kerala story

Sanju Samson had scored just 46 runs from five matches against New Zealand. In the off chance he earned against Namibia, things didn't get any better. But luck did shine on him after all, and he repaid the backing with absolute tenacity, finishing as the Player of the Tournament and India's highest run-scorer in a T20 World Cup.

9 Mar 2026 2:34 pm
Pooja to wild celebrations: How India welcomed the T20 World Cup title in Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad erupted in joyous celebrations as India clinched the 2026 T20 World Cup title at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Thousands of fans, some without tickets, thronged the venue and surrounding streets, dancing and cheering. Inside the hotel, though, the party was only just getting started.

9 Mar 2026 2:30 pm
Great seeing you: Gambhir responds after Dhonis smile looks great on you post

MS Dhoni's return to Instagram after two years celebrated India's T20 World Cup victory with a playful jab at coach Gautam Gambhir's intense persona. Gambhir responded warmly, acknowledging Dhoni's presence. This rare social media exchange between the cricketing legends, who shared iconic World Cup wins, delighted fans after India's dominant final performance.

9 Mar 2026 2:22 pm
Always believed in miracles: How Samson, Bumrah and Indias stars celebrated

India has won the 2026 T20 World Cup. The team defeated New Zealand in the final. Players shared their joy on social media. This marks India's third T20 World Cup title. It is also the first time a team has won the tournament at home. India achieved back-to-back victories. Celebrations erupted across the nation.

9 Mar 2026 1:58 pm
Dont remember any time we had an argument: Surya on partnership with Gambhir

India's T20 World Cup triumph highlights the strong captain-coach bond between Suryakumar Yadav and Gautam Gambhir. Their seamless understanding and shared vision have led to smooth decision-making and minimal selection debates. Yadav also emphasised investing in players during tough times and fostering open communication in the dressing room for sustained success.

9 Mar 2026 1:45 pm
Gautam Gambhir: Stubborn cricketer, instinctive coach and a man who owns the big nights

Gautam Gambhir was India's MVP in their two World Cup triumphs, the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup. In both finals, he stepped up on the big occasion. Whether it was his 54-ball 75 against arch-rivals Pakistan in Johannesburg or the crafty 97 that steered India to victory in Mumbai four years later, Gambhir proved to be a force in ICC tournaments. Now, as a coach, he has added a World Cup to his resume.

9 Mar 2026 1:14 pm
Ahmedabad erupts as Team India arrive at hotel after T20 World Cup win

Ahmedabad erupts as Team India arrive at hotel after T20 World Cup win

9 Mar 2026 12:55 pm
Rightful winners: Sachin, Virat lead applause as India win T20 World Cup

Team India has secured a historic third ICC Men's T20 World Cup title, dominating New Zealand by 96 runs in the final. Legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli lauded the team's performance and character, with Sourav Ganguly highlighting the overall strength of Indian cricket. Jasprit Bumrah and Sanju Samson were among the standout performers.

9 Mar 2026 12:52 pm
'These games will define his career': Gavaskar hails Indias clutch hero Samson

Sunil Gavaskar hailed Sanju Samson's remarkable T20 World Cup turnaround, calling it a career-defining moment. Samson, initially on the bench, delivered crucial knocks in knockout stages, transforming adversity into success. His clutch performances against West Indies, England, and New Zealand powered India's historic back-to-back title win, a feat Gavaskar described as the pinnacle of Indian cricket history.

9 Mar 2026 12:13 pm
T20 World Cup: Gautam Gambhir, Suryakumar Yadav after Team India win

T20 World Cup: Gautam Gambhir, Suryakumar Yadav after Team India win

9 Mar 2026 11:56 am
Jasprit Bumrah surpasses Lasith Malinga, rewrites T20 World Cup history

Jasprit Bumrah's sensational four-wicket haul powered India to their third T20 World Cup title, crushing New Zealand by 96 runs in the final. His historic spell made him the first fast bowler with a four-fer in a knockout match and the leading pacer in T20 World Cup history. India's massive 255/5 set the stage for a dominant victory.

9 Mar 2026 11:35 am
Samson is a combination of Virat & Rohit: Kumble after T20 WC masterclass

Sanju Samson's stellar T20 World Cup performance, especially in the knockouts, has drawn high praise. Legendary spinner Anil Kumble sees Samson as a unique blend of Virat Kohli's calculated approach and Rohit Sharma's aggressive power-hitting. Samson's remarkable run, including record-breaking scores, propelled India to victory, showcasing his adaptability and explosive talent.

9 Mar 2026 11:10 am
Indias T20 World Cup win sparks celebrations | Rajeev Shukla, Tharoor & others react

Indias T20 World Cup win sparks celebrations | Rajeev Shukla, Tharoor & others react

9 Mar 2026 11:02 am
Stop celebrating milestones: Gambhirs strong message after T20 World Cup win

India's head coach Gautam Gambhir emphasized that trophies, not individual milestones, are paramount for team success. He highlighted this philosophy after India's T20 World Cup victory, urging a shift in focus from personal records to collective achievements. Gambhir praised Suryakumar Yadav and Sanju Samson for embracing this team-first approach, prioritizing wins over statistics.

9 Mar 2026 10:44 am
'Intensity with a smile is a killer combo': Dhoni playfully praises Gambhir

India has won its third T20 World Cup title. They defeated New Zealand in the final match. This victory marks a historic achievement for the Indian cricket team. MS Dhoni congratulated the team and coach Gautam Gambhir. Jasprit Bumrah was named Player of the Match for his outstanding bowling performance.

9 Mar 2026 10:14 am
T20 WC: The Rohit Sharma playbook Suryakumar Yadav keeps in his pocket

India's T20 dominance stems from a fearless, all-attack mindset, initiated by Rohit Sharma and refined by Suryakumar Yadav. This philosophy, prioritising aggressive batting from the outset and leveraging all-rounders, has transformed the team into a T20 powerhouse, even after key retirements. The approach, despite occasional pressure, has consistently delivered results.

9 Mar 2026 9:50 am
Kuldeep Yadav delighted for Sanju Samson | From Under-12 days to World Cup glory

Kuldeep Yadav delighted for Sanju Samson | From Under-12 days to World Cup glory

9 Mar 2026 9:27 am
Firm ideas, flexible tactics: How Gambhir helped India tame T20s fickle nature

Head coach Gautam Gambhir's T20 World Cup triumph solidifies his dominance in the format, leveraging IPL experience and conviction. His 'form over reputation' mantra, despite controversial selections like dropping Gill and Pant, has reshaped the Indian T20 team. While successful in T20s, his adaptability for longer formats remains a key question.

9 Mar 2026 9:14 am
'Trust and faith': Gautam Gambhir reveals Indias success mantra

Gautam Gambhir, fresh off coaching India to a T20 World Cup victory, emphasized his accountability lies with the team, not social media. He highlighted a fearless, high-risk, high-reward strategy and a selection philosophy built on trust, not hope. This approach saw him back players like Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma, underscoring his commitment to unwavering belief in his squad.

9 Mar 2026 9:03 am
Pillars of the T20 dynasty: Key inflection points for Team India from 202426

India's T20 evolution post-2024 World Cup win saw a shift to a younger, aggressive style. Key changes included moving on from Hardik Pandya as captain, appointing Suryakumar Yadav as T20-only skipper, and prioritising intent over averages with selections like Shubman Gill's exclusion. Backing Sanju Samson and maintaining left-right batting combinations further fueled this relentless winning machine.

9 Mar 2026 8:50 am
High risk, high reward: How Total T20 fuelled Indias march to World Cup glory

India's cricket team is forging a new T20 dynasty, mirroring Rinus Michels' 'Total Football' with a 'Total T20' approach. Since their 2024 World Cup win, they've dominated bilateral series with aggressive batting, multi-dimensional players, and a focus on impact over traditional roles. This strategy, led by Suryakumar Yadav and Gautam Gambhir, prioritises T20 success and has created an intimidating aura.

9 Mar 2026 8:31 am
T20 World Cup: Indias march to glory & the men who mattered

India's World Cup journey was a testament to individual brilliance overcoming challenges. Suryakumar Yadav's crucial knock against the US, Ishan Kishan's explosive start versus Pakistan, and Tilak Varma's finisher's cameo against Zimbabwe highlighted batting prowess.

9 Mar 2026 8:17 am
'Champions once again': Kohli's emotional post after India lift T20 World Cup

Team India secured a dominant victory in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup final. They defeated New Zealand by 96 runs. India posted a record 255 for five, with Sanju Samson scoring 89. Jasprit Bumrah took four wickets. India successfully defended their T20 World Cup title. This marks a historic achievement for the team.

9 Mar 2026 8:00 am
'I have 10 more years to win 10 more ICC titles': Hardik sets massive target

India clinched a historic third T20 World Cup title, becoming the first to defend their crown with a dominant 96-run victory over New Zealand. The triumph, witnessed by over 86,000 fans at the Narendra Modi Stadium, marks India's second win on home soil.

9 Mar 2026 6:02 am
'Mitchell ko sorry bolne gya tha': Arshdeep after on-field spat with Mitchell

India achieved a historic feat, retaining the ICC Men's T20 World Cup by defeating New Zealand by 96 runs. This marks their third title and first on home soil. Stellar batting performances, including Sanju Samson's 89, propelled India to a massive 255/5. A disciplined bowling attack then restricted New Zealand, securing a memorable victory.

9 Mar 2026 6:02 am
T20 World Cup final: Fans in Ahmedabad go wild | India create history

T20 World Cup final: Fans in Ahmedabad go wild | India create history

9 Mar 2026 12:39 am
'I was broken after the NZ series': Samson wins Player of the Tournament in T20 WC

Sanju Samson's stellar performance earned him Player of the Tournament in the T20 World Cup 2026, driving India's victory. Despite starting as a reserve, Samson amassed 321 runs in five matches, including three crucial half-centuries. His record-breaking feats and inspiring journey, including guidance from Sachin Tendulkar, highlight a career-defining tournament.

8 Mar 2026 11:32 pm
T20 World Cup: India bury ghost of November 19; pummel New Zealand by 96 runs

Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan scored blistering fifties to power India to 255 for 5 against New Zealand in the T20 World Cup final in Ahmedabad. Indian bowlers led by Jasprit Bumrah and some exceptional catching by Ishan Kishan in the outfield helped India register a 96-run win and they became only the first team to win back-to-back T20 World Cups.

8 Mar 2026 10:52 pm
How much did India win? Full T20 World Cup 2026 prize money revealed

India clinched the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 title, defeating New Zealand in a thrilling final in Ahmedabad. The victorious Indian team secured a substantial $3 million prize money. Sanju Samson's explosive 89 and Jasprit Bumrah's stellar bowling performance were instrumental in India's dominant victory, capping off a financially rewarding tournament for the champions.

8 Mar 2026 10:47 pm
What is the highest successful run chase in T20 World Cup final history?

India posted a record 255/5 in the T20 World Cup final against New Zealand, thanks to stellar knocks from Sanju Samson (89), Abhishek Sharma (52), and Ishan Kishan (54). This massive total sets a daunting target of 256 for the Blackcaps, who are now chasing the highest successful chase in the competition's history.

8 Mar 2026 9:47 pm
Record alert in final! India rewrite T20 World Cup history vs New Zealand

India shattered T20 World Cup final records, posting a colossal 255/5 against New Zealand. Sanju Samson led the charge with a blistering 89, the highest individual score in a final. An explosive batting display, including a 98-run opening stand, ensured a commanding total, underlining India's dominance in the shortest format.

8 Mar 2026 9:01 pm
Sanju Samson scripts history, breaks multiple records in T20 World Cup final

Sanju Samson's explosive 89 in the T20 World Cup final powered India to a historic feat, with the top three batters scoring 50+. Samson also set a new record for most sixes in a single tournament with 21. He joins an elite group with semi-final and final fifties, and matches consecutive 50+ scores, solidifying his status as a tournament standout.

8 Mar 2026 8:33 pm
Abhishek, Samson tear into NZ; break 17-year record in T20 World Cup final

India's opening duo, Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson, powered to a record 98-run partnership in the T20 World Cup final against New Zealand. Sharma's rapid fifty set the tone, continuing Samson's strong tournament form. This explosive start provided India with a significant advantage as they aim for a historic third title on home soil.

8 Mar 2026 7:54 pm
Lakshya Sen denied historic All England title, goes down to in thrilling final

Lakshya Sen narrowly missed the All England Open men's singles title, losing a hard-fought final to Lin Chun-Yi of Chinese Taipei. Despite a valiant effort, fatigue from a demanding tournament path seemed to impact Sen. This defeat extends India's long wait for a men's singles champion at the prestigious event.

8 Mar 2026 7:41 pm