For someone who was looked at as dispensable not too long ago, Sanju Samson is suddenly in demand. One day, he is addressing conclaves and attending awards in New Delhi, the next day, he is flying back home to Thiruvanthapuram for an event. Just like the team desperately wanted him back as an opener, to break the stranglehold that off-spinners were having on the left-handers, everyone wants Samson. He will soon jet off to Chennai for IPL duties with the Chennai Super Kings. Describing the epochal victory as far more than just a sporting milestone, Samson called the win a deeply “spiritual experience.”Big words for someone who is looked at as a happygo-lucky character and, by his own admission, “not very emotional”. For Samson, one of the most memorable moments at the World Cup came quietly inside the dressing room after India’s crucial Super Eights win over the West Indies. “After the win against the West Indies, I created a spiritual place of my own in the dressing room and also offered a personal prayer,” Samson told reporters at an event here.

A victory beyond cricket

Describing India’s World Cup triumph as far more than just a sporting achievement, Samson called the experience deeply spiritual.“It was a spiritual moment. When you win something as big as the World Cup with your country, it feels like something greater than just sport,” Samson said during a recent event. The tournament lived up to its tagline “Feel The Thrill”, delivering electrifying powerplays, dramatic finishes and passionate crowds cheering “India! India!” from packed stadiums.One of Samson’s most memorable moments during the tournament came after India’s Super Eight victory against the West Indies national cricket team. “After the win against the West Indies, I created a spiritual place of my own in the dressing room and said a personal prayer,” he revealed.

Overcoming self-doubt

“I wasn’t very confident when I left home to play in the World Cup, but the universe had other plans,” he said. “The 97 not out against the West Indies was the most important innings for me because I had to stay calm even as wickets kept falling at the other end.”Samson also recalled an emotional moment after the final with India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir, one of the keeper-batter’s biggest backers. “Gauti bhai and I share a close relationship. He didn’t say much… he just hugged me for about 30 seconds. That was enough,” Samson said.

New chapter with Chennai Super Kings

Samson is now preparing for the next phase of his career with Chennai Super Kings, where he will share the dressing room with legendary wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni.“I have spoken with Mahi bhai a lot and have seen him on and off in the Indian team. But this will be the first time we spend two months together. There is a lot of excitement,” Samson explained.Interestingly, his first match in the yellow jersey will come against his former franchise, the Rajasthan Royals. “On the field, I don’t allow emotions to take over. I will always give my best for the team I represent,” he added.For Samson, cricket is about much more than trophies and personal milestones. The Indian star says he carries the dreams of countless youngsters every time he walks onto the field.

India captain Suryakumar Yadav with his teammates. (ANI Photo)

NEW DELHI: India’s T20 World Cup-winning captain Suryakumar Yadav believes the country’s talent pool in the shortest format has grown so vast that multiple international-quality teams could be formed at the same time — a reflection of the depth created by domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Suryakumar said the current generation of players represents perhaps the strongest T20 group India has produced, highlighting how franchise cricket and domestic competitions continue to produce new stars every season.“If you talk about talent, I feel you can find talent regularly. There is IPL cricket, franchise cricket, then there is domestic cricket. You can see how many players come every year,” Suryakumar said in a podcast interview with PTI Videos.

“So I feel talent is unlimited. If you can make two-three playing XIs, our base is so strong, of the Indian team. So this is not a modest and diplomatic reply. But now it is so strong, so there is no shame in telling the truth.”Since taking over the captaincy after Rohit Sharma stepped down following the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 triumph in Barbados, Suryakumar has overseen a period of remarkable success. Under his leadership, India have won 42 of their 52 T20 Internationals, establishing themselves as one of the most dominant sides in the format.The 35-year-old credited the team’s impressive run to a collective mindset within the dressing room.“I don’t pay too much attention to statistics but I hate losing any game. If everyone in the dressing room moves in the same direction, only then can you achieve such a percentage,” he said, referring to India’s near 80 per cent win rate.Known for his innovative 360-degree strokeplay, Suryakumar also described T20 batting as largely instinctive and reactive once a player steps onto the field.“I feel batting is about 70–75 per cent reaction. The remaining 25 per cent is instinct, what you decide to do in the moment. Once you enter the ground, you are almost in autopilot mode. You try to bat with rhythm and according to the situation,” he explained.Suryakumar also highlighted his strong working relationship with India head coach Gautam Gambhir, revealing how closely aligned their thinking has been while building the current squad.“Out of 15 names we both suggested, 14 were common. That means the thinking was the same. When the goals are clear, there are no arguments, only discussions,” he said.

Rahul Dravid, Gautam Gambhir and Suryakumar Yadav (PTI)

Former India captain and head coach Rahul Dravid on Sunday said the country’s vast cricketing potential is finally translating into consistent success, with a series of victories in global tournaments reflecting the immense talent long present in Indian cricket. India have enjoyed a remarkable run in ICC events, winning both of the last two men’s T20 World Cups, the women’s ODI World Cup, the men’s U-19 World Cup and the women’s U-19 T20 World Cup over the past two years.

Dravid, who was honoured with the Col CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award at the annual awards function of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, spoke about the team’s success in an interaction with Star Sports. “It just kind of feels right, right? “Almost everything coming together at this point of time where Indian cricket has always had great potential and it’s (about) realising that potential on the field as well. Off the field, I think we’ve always had everything we needed and on the field, it’s been great to see that potential being realised.” Dravid said the sustained success is the result of several elements aligning, from players and administrators to coaches and fans. “It’s been phenomenal. It’s just been amazing to see the way Indian cricket has grown over these three decades,” he said while reflecting on the journey since making his international debut in 1996. “Indian cricket has always had amazing talent. We’ve always had really good administrators. We’ve always had really good coaches (and) we’ve been able to back that up with incredible infrastructure. We’ve always had a fantastic domestic system, (a) very good junior cricket system.” “Some of the most incredible fans in the world. The kind of supporters and fans that we have, deserved all of this to come together, to have success on the field. It’s amazing to see how that all of that is coming together now.” Dravid, who guided India to the T20 World Cup title in 2024, also credited the current team for handling the weight of expectations and delivering on the big stage. “It was just lovely to see… Just the performance of the world T20 side, the expectations were immense. They started off as favourites, and it’s not always easy,” Dravid said. “Yes, of course, they’re a very good side, but it’s not always easy to start off as favourites and be there right at the end and lift a trophy. It comes with its own pressures, its own challenges. It was just really good to see Surya (Suryakumar Yadav) and Gautam (Gambhir) and the team really do that,” he said.

Abhishek Sharma (AFP Photo)

NEW DELHI: Abhishek Sharma did not expect to begin the T20 World Cup 2026 the way he had planned, dreamt and desired. The swashbuckling opener, known for his blistering batting and high strike rate while pummelling bowlers all over the park, endured a nightmare start to the tournament. Abhishek was out for a duck in India’s opening match against the USA and then failed to score again in the next match against arch-rivals Pakistan.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!He was once again given a chance by the team management in the third match against the Netherlands, but it was the same story for Abhishek — a third consecutive duck.

The disappointment, lack of confidence and hunger to score were clearly visible on Abhishek’s face. That was when captain Suryakumar Yadav and head coach Gautam Gambhir stepped in to support the youngster during his tough phase.Abhishek has now revealed the radical advice he received from Gambhir and Surya during his darkest phase in the recently concluded T20 World Cup 2026.Speaking at the India Today Conclave, Abhishek admitted that after his second consecutive duck in the tournament, he was close to an emotional breakdown.“Slowly you get used to it. But it does feel bad (when there is criticism). That is going to happen in India because people have a lot of expectations from you. After I scored three ducks, Surya, GG sir and Hardik Pandya came to me and said, ‘Phone pakad, social media hata abhi ke abhi [take your phone and uninstall social media right now]’,” Abhishek said. “That was the first thing I did after my second zero. That actually helped me a bit. I was getting a lot of suggestions and comments from people. That’s how a cricketer’s life is. You have to listen and you will be criticised. All you can do is listen and ignore. That is because they have a lot of expectations from you. Sometimes you deliver and sometimes you don’t. I expected this.”After scoring three ducks in a row, Abhishek finally returned among the runs with 15 against South Africa. He soon regained his rhythm, scoring 55 against Zimbabwe and looking close to his fluent best.However, he once again struggled against England, managing just nine runs.All eyes were on him in the title clash. This time, however, Abhishek had other plans. He smashed New Zealand bowlers all over the park in the final, scoring a blistering 52 off just 21 balls and stitching a 98-run opening partnership with Sanju Samson to lay a solid foundation for India.India went on to post a massive 255/5 in their allotted 20 overs before bowling New Zealand out for 159 to win the T20 World Cup 2026 title.It was India’s third T20 World Cup triumph, having previously lifted the trophy in 2007 and 2024.

India coach Gautam Gambhir (Getty Images)

Former chief selector Sandeep Patil has revealed that Gautam Gambhir has never spoken to him since the day he was dropped from the Indian team, despite the two appearing together at several events over the years.Gambhir, a key member of India’s World Cup-winning squads in 2007 and 2011, was one of the most influential players in the national side between 2006 and 2012. Although his final international appearance came in November 2016, the first major setback in his career arrived three years earlier when he was left out of the ODI squad after the series against England in 2013.

Statistically, Gambhir’s performances during that phase were far from poor. In the final 25 ODIs he played for India, the left-hander struck two centuries and six half-centuries. However, the selectors decided to move on, and the decision effectively ended his limited-overs career. He featured only occasionally in Tests afterwards, playing two matches in England in 2014 and two more against New Zealand before his international journey gradually came to an end.Speaking on the Vickey Lalwani show, Patil admitted that the decision was one of several tough calls his selection panel had to take during that period. The former chairman explained that personal relationships could not influence such decisions, even when it involved some of the biggest names in Indian cricket.“When you are sitting in the chair of the selection committee, you are responsible for making some big calls. You’re not looking at your friendships/rapport with players. I’ve shared a good rapport with Sachin since he was 14. He has played under me, with me. Whenever I text him, he replies immediately. I met Yuvraj recently on the flight; very cordial. Even Virender Sehwag. They all talk to me nicely. Except Gambhir. He was very dear to me. Even today, I respect him a lot, but he is upset with me, and rightly so. Even I was upset with the selection committee when I got dropped. I scored a 100 in Pakistan, the highest at Kotla against England in both innings and got dropped. Never played Test cricket again,” Patil said.Gambhir’s exclusion opened the door for Shikhar Dhawan, who grabbed the opportunity in spectacular fashion. Dhawan made a memorable Test debut against Australia in Mohali, smashing a blistering 187. He later formed a highly successful opening partnership with Rohit Sharma in both ODIs and T20Is, while Gambhir gradually drifted away from the national setup.The left-hander continued to remain active in franchise cricket, representing Kolkata Knight Riders before finishing his IPL career with Delhi Capitals. In 2018, he officially announced his retirement from all forms of cricket.Even years after the decision, Patil admitted that Gambhir still maintains his distance whenever their paths cross.“Gambhir is still upset. He has never spoken to me. We have come together on so many different shows. We’ve sat in the same room, but Gautam has never even looked at me. It’s fine. Every time I reached out to him or said a ‘Hi’, he has never responded. Not even a glance. But that’s fair enough,” added Patil.Reflecting on their earlier bond, Patil said Gambhir was once very close to him and regularly stayed in touch, especially during difficult phases of his career.“He was such a great guy. We played tennis together on tours; we’ve had such a great rapport. Gauti used to call me almost once every two weeks when I was removed as a coach. He is like that. Gautam was very serious about his career and remained focused on his batting and approach. No cricketer wants to leave the stage when you’re doing well. Nobody wants to get dropped. Laxman, Dravid quietly went away. Sehwag wanted to have a good celebration but didn’t get it. So I get it.”

Jasprit Bumrah and Sanju Samson (ANI Photo)

No side had ever defended the T20 World Cup title. Suryakumar Yadav’s boys did it first. At home, no less. Here is TOI’s report card of the 15 men who made it happen.GAUTAM GAMBHIR (COACH) – 9/10Two consecutive ICC trophies. The only man in history to win a T20 World Cup as player and coach. His biggest contribution was framing the team’s ideology to “not playing for milestones”. He backed Abhishek Sharma and Varun Chakravarthy through their lean phase.JASPRIT BUMRAH – 10/10There is a reason Suryakumar Yadav called him a “national treasure”. India’s cheat code! Named Player of the Match in the final for figures of 4/15. Finished joint top wickettaker with 14 scalps and economy of 6.21 — remarkable on surfaces where everyone else bled runs. In the semifinal, he gave away just 14 runs across two overs in the death when England needed 69 off the last five overs.M: 8 | W: 14 | ER: 6.21 | Ave: 12.42 | SR: 12.00

SANJU SAMSON – 10/10When he got his chance, he dismantled the opposition bowling, narratives against him, and years of heartbreak. He kicked off his scoring spree with an unbeaten 97 against West Indies in a virtual quarterfinal, then 89 against England in the semifinal, and another 89 in the final — becoming only the second batter to score three consecutive 80-plus scores at a T20 World Cup. His 89 was the highest individual score in a men’s T20 World Cup final. Was fittingly named Player of the Tournament.M: 5 | R: 321 | SR: 199.37 | Ave: 80.25 | 50s: 3ISHAN KISHAN – 9/10The comeback stories at this World Cup had a recurring theme. People who had been written off, coming back with a bang. His redemption arc was complete after smashing 54 off 25 in the final. His best performance came against Pakistan, leading the Indian charge with 77 off 40. He finished as the fourth-highest runscorer in the tournament.M: 9 | R: 317 | SR: 193.29 | Ave: 35.22 | 50s: 3HARDIK PANDYA – 8.5/10A reliable, clutch professional who showed up in the moments that mattered. Scored a halfcentury each against Namibia and Zimbabwe, but his best came in the semifinal against England, where he scored a rapid 27 off 12 that powered India to a 250-plus total. With the ball, his best came against Pakistan (2/16). In the semifinal, he bowled the 19th over for just nine runs, claiming 2/38 to halt England.M: 9 | R: 217 | SR: 160.74 | Ave: 27.12 | 50s: 2 Wkts: 9 | ER: 8.81 | BB: 2/16SHIVAM DUBE – 8/10Bailed India out of tough situations while batting down the order. His 31-ball 65 against the Netherlands helped India to 193 after struggling initially. In the final, he scored 24 runs in the final over, taking India to 255. Even in the semis against England, he played a clutch knock, hitting 43 off 25 and taking down the wily Adil Rashid.M: 9 | R: 235 | SR: 169.06 | Ave: 39.16 | 50s: 1 Wkts: 5 | ER: 14.12 | BB: 2/35AXAR PATEL – 8/10While he was not required with the bat, he came to the fore with the ball taking 11 wickets, often bowling clutch overs. In the final, he took 3/27. In the semis, two stunning catches from him changed the game entirely.M: 7 | R: 16 | SR: 106.66 | Ave: 5.33 | 50s: 0

India head coach Gautam Gambhir with captain Suryakumar Yadav. (Pic credit: BCCI)

SURYAKUMAR YADAV (CAPTAIN) – 7.5/10He led with clarity, instinct and energy. He read the game well and wasn’t afraid to back his bowlers or shuffle the batting order under pressure. But with the bat, he looked a shadow of his peak self. Scored a solitary half-century—an unbeaten 84 off 49 against USA—that saved India the early blushes.M: 9 | R: 242 | SR: 136.72 | Ave: 30.25 | 50s: 1TILAK VARMA – 7.5/10He started at No.3 but it didn’t work. Dropped down to the middle-order and suddenly he looked a different batter. A 16-ball unbeaten 44 against Zimbabwe stood out, a 15-ball 27 against Windies, and a 7-ball 21 against England in the semis, where he smashed three sixes off Jofra Archer, underscored his importance.Inns: 9 | Runs: 207 | SR: 154.47 | Ave: 29.57 | 50s: 0ARSHDEEP SINGH – 7.5/10On the high-scoring surfaces, he couldn’t quite replicate his 2024 heroics but still managed crucial performances in the semifinal against England and in the Super Eight game against Zimbabwe. The side trusted him throughout, and more often than not, he repaid that trust.M: 8 | W: 9 | ER: 8.46 | Ave: 28.22 | SR: 20 | BB: 2/24VARUN CHAKRAVARTHY – 7/10I t was a tournament of two halves. He took nine wickets in the group stage and bowled economically, but across the next five matches, he leaked runs at 11.84, picking up just five more wickets. But 14 wickets at a World Cup is not bad.M: 9 | W: 14 | ER: 9.25 | Ave: 20.50 | SR: 13.20 | BB: 3/7KULDEEP YADAV – 7/10Played just one match. Against Pakistan in Colombo, he delivered a tight three-over spell, taking 1/14. He watched the rest of the tournament from the dugout.M: 1 | W: 1 | ER: 4.66 | Ave: 14 | SR: 18 | BB: 1/14MOHAMMED SIRAJ – 7/10Called into the squad as a last-minute replacement for Harshit Rana, he played only the opening match against the USA and walked away with figures of 3/29, stepping in for Bumrah who was ill.M: 1 | W: 3 | ER: 7.25 | Ave: 9.66 | SR: 8 | BB: 3/29ABHISHEK SHARMA – 6/10This was supposed to be his World Cup but lived on the edge of a cliff for seven matches, collecting three ducks in his first three innings. Opposition off-spinners tied him in knots. There was noise about dropping him for the final. He silenced it most decisively, scoring the fastest half-century of the tournament off just 18 balls.M: 8 | R: 141 | SR: 158.42 | Ave: 17.62 | 50s: 2RINKU SINGH – 5/10His tournament was truncated and difficult. Batting in cameo roles that didn’t suit him, he lost his place in the XI by the business end. But every Indian fielding highlight featured him; he contributed as a substitute fielder and remained a warm presence in what was clearly a painful month, having lost his father midway through the tournament.M: 5 | R: 24 | SR: 82.75 | Ave: 8.00 | 50s: 0WASHINGTON SUNDAR – 5/10He featured in just two games, registering 0/36 against the Netherlands and 0/17 against South Africa with the ball. In the one innings he batted against the Proteas, he scored just 11 runs. He was the squad’s depth, used as cover.M: 2 | R: 11 | SR: 100.00 | Ave: 11.00 | 50s: 0 Wkts: 0 | ER: 8.83