T20 World Cup 2026: Here's how Gautam Gambhir reacted to MS Dhoni's heartfelt post for India

Gautam Gambhir (Pic: File PIc)

Team India emerged victorious by 96 runs against New Zealand in the final of the T20 World Cup 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Following the victory, legendary Team India skipper MS Dhoni shared a congratulatory post on his official social media handle for the "Men in Blue". In his post, he gave a special mention to Team India's incumbent head coach Gautam Gambhir by saying, "Coach Sahab smile looks great on u, intensity with smile is a killer combo, very well done. enjoy guys".

Responding to Dhoni's post, Gambhir commented saying, "And what a reason to smile, great seeing u!".

Coming to the title clash of the T20 World Cup 2026, batting first, the "Men in Blue" posted a mammoth target of 256 runs for the loss of five wickets in 20 overs. Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, and Ishan Kishan smashed half-centuries. Later, burly all-rounder Shivam Dube also played a fiery cameo of an unbeaten 26 runs in just eight deliveries. Facing 46 balls, Samson scored 89 runs with the help of five boundaries and eight maximums. Abhishek also garnered 52 runs in 21 balls, including six boundaries and three maximums. Ishan smashed 54 runs off 25 deliveries, laced with four boundaries and four maximums.

Having put to chase a target of 256 runs, New Zealand was bowled out for 159 runs in 19 overs. Team India's lead pacer Jasprit Bumrah returned with the figures of four wickets for 15 runs in four overs. Hardik Pandya, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Abhishek also chipped in with one wicket each.

With this, Team India scripted history by successfully defending the T20 World Cup title. This was the first time a team successfully defended their shortest format world title. The "Men in Blue" also became the first team to clinch the title three times.

Team India's star pacer Bumrah was named as the "Player of the Match" for his heroics with the ball, and Samson became the "Player of the Tournament" for his stupendous skills with the willow.

(With ANI Inputs)