India produced a dominant performance to win the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, defeating the New Zealand national cricket team by 96 runs in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium. The victory marked a historic moment for the team, with Sanju Samson emerging as the standout performer of the tournament. The wicketkeeper-batter was named Player of the Tournament after delivering a series of explosive innings that played a decisive role in India lifting the title.
Kohli’s Special Message for Sanju
Following the triumph, Indian batting star Virat Kohli congratulated Sanju with a heartfelt message on social media. Kohli praised Sanju’s outstanding performances throughout the tournament and described him as the most deserving winner of the Player of the Tournament award. He highlighted how Sanju delivered when the team needed him the most and expressed his happiness at seeing the Kerala cricketer achieve such a milestone. With this achievement, Sanju became only the third Indian cricketer to win the award after Kohli, who received it in 2014 and 2016, and fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who won it in 2024.
Sachin Tendulkar’s Guidance Behind the Success
Sanju also revealed that legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar played an important role in his preparation before the tournament. According to Sanju, he had been in constant contact with Tendulkar for nearly two months leading up to the World Cup. The two shared detailed conversations about batting and mindset, which helped him regain confidence during a difficult phase in his career. Sanju said receiving guidance from a figure like Tendulkar was invaluable and expressed gratitude for the support he received from the batting legend and other former players.
From the Bench to the Spotlight
Sanju’s journey in the tournament did not begin smoothly. He was initially left out of the playing XI due to inconsistent form before the World Cup. His first opportunity came when Abhishek Sharma had to miss a match due to health issues. Sanju made an immediate impression with a quick cameo but returned to the bench once Sharma recovered. Another chance came in the Super 8 stage against the Zimbabwe national cricket team, when India’s opening combination struggled against spin. Sanju grabbed the opportunity, providing a quick start and helping the team avoid early setbacks.
Match-Winning Performances in the Knockouts
Sanju truly made his mark in the knockout stages with a series of match-winning innings. In a crucial game against the West Indies cricket team, he smashed an unbeaten 97 from 50 balls to guide India to their highest successful chase in T20 World Cup history, securing a place in the semi-finals. He followed it with another explosive knock of 89 from 42 balls against the England cricket team in the semi-final, helping India post 253/7, the highest total ever recorded in a T20 World Cup knockout match. In the final against New Zealand, Sanju once again delivered with a brilliant 89 from 46 balls, powering India to 255/5 and setting up a commanding victory.
A Tournament Defined by Consistency
Despite playing only five matches in the tournament, Sanju finished as India’s highest run-scorer. He accumulated 321 runs at an impressive average of 80.25 and an extraordinary strike rate of 199.37. Notably, he recorded three consecutive scores above 80 in his final three innings, a streak that helped transform India’s campaign during the crucial stages of the tournament. His performances also placed him among a select group of players to score half-centuries in both the semi-final and final of the same T20 World Cup edition.
A Dream Finally Realised
After the final, Sanju described the achievement as an emotional and unforgettable moment. He reflected on the difficult phases of his career, including times when he was left out of the playing XI in previous tournaments. Sanju said he had spent years visualising a moment like this, especially after being part of the 2024 World Cup squad without getting a chance to play. For him, the World Cup victory and the Player of the Tournament award represent the reward for perseverance, belief, and the courage to keep chasing a dream.
