Jasprit Bumrah (AP Photo)

NEW DELHI: India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah says delivering in the toughest moments is what gives him the greatest joy on a cricket field, after playing a decisive role in India’s historic triumph at the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Speaking in a video shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Bumrah reflected on the mindset that has driven his journey through the ranks — embracing the toughest challenges and stepping up when the team needs him most.“I always wanted to do a tough job. I’ve played cricket for that. I started cricket for that. When I’m able to make a difference, that gives me so much joy. No better feeling than that,” Bumrah said.

The right-arm quick produced a match-winning spell in the final against New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, claiming four wickets to dismantle the opposition and earn the Player of the Match award as India cruised to a dominant 96-run victory.With the win, India scripted history by becoming the first side to win three T20 World Cup titles, the first to defend the trophy successfully, and the first to lift the crown on home soil.For Bumrah, the moment carried deeper emotional significance. The venue also reminded him of the heartbreak of the 2023 Cricket World Cup final in Ahmedabad, where India fell just short of the title.“The last time we just fell short, this time we went over it. Really happy,” he said.The 32-year-old also revealed how the presence of his family made the moment even more special.“My son came. He was there last time as well; this time, he was there. My mum came — really special. I don’t know about full circles, but really, really happy.”Bumrah finished the tournament as joint-highest wicket-taker with 14 scalps alongside mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy.“Back-to-back World Cups never really happen. Really grateful, God is really kind, and I couldn’t be more thankful,” Bumrah added.

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

Sanju Samson with wife Charulatha Remesh

NEW DELHI: A touching off-field moment involving Sanju Samson’s wife Charulatha Remesh has captured the internet’s attention days after India’s triumph at the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!A video showing Charulatha carefully wrapping Samson’s Player of the Tournament trophy with a T-shirt to protect it from scratches has gone viral on social media, winning the hearts of fans across platforms.The clip, recorded shortly after the award ceremony, shows Charulatha holding the prestigious trophy and admiring it closely. Standing beside her was Devisha Shetty, the wife of India captain Suryakumar Yadav. After exchanging a few words, Charulatha quickly wrapped the trophy in a T-shirt, seemingly to ensure it remained safe from damage while being carried around amid the celebrations.

The small but thoughtful gesture resonated deeply with fans.The viral video surfaced soon after Samson shared a heartfelt tribute to his wife on Instagram following India’s historic title win. Thanking Charulatha for her unwavering support, the star batter opened up about how she stood by him through every phase of his career.“Right from the day I met you till this day of my life… Thank you so very much for being by my side, loving me for who I am, and being absolutely true and honest to me, no matter what I was to the outside world. You have seen my best side and my worst side, yet you stood strong by me,” Samson wrote.“Thank you for understanding how important cricket is in my life and making it just as important in yours,” he added.“And you have wished and dreamed with the same passion and intensity as I did for this moment. Thank you so very much, my dear Pondattiiiiii.”The emotional tribute came after a remarkable turnaround tournament for Samson. Initially relegated to the bench and playing just one league match against Namibia in New Delhi, the wicketkeeper-batter was drafted back into the XI during the Super Eights clash against Zimbabwe.From there, Samson scripted one of the tournament’s most dramatic comebacks. An unbeaten 97 against West Indies in Kolkata set the tone before he delivered back-to-back 89s in the semi-final against England and the final against New Zealand.By the end of the tournament, Samson had amassed 321 runs in five innings at a strike rate of 199, earning the Player of the Tournament award and playing a central role in India lifting their third T20 World Cup title.

NEW DELHI: Jitesh Sharma admits that being left out of India’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup squad was disappointing, but that setback soon felt insignificant compared to the personal loss he suffered shortly after. The wicketkeeper-batter lost his father, Mohan Sharma, on February 1 after a brief illness, a moment that changed his perspective on everything.“When I got the news of my non-selection, I was a little bit disheartened. I am also a human. I can feel sad and bad. But later on, as time went by, the sad time becomes short,” Jitesh told PTI during an exclusive interview.

The disappointment of missing the global tournament soon gave way to a far deeper emotional challenge.“But later on, my dad got ill. And he passed away on 1st of Feb. So, I was with him for seven days. Afterward, I got to know that my dad needed me more than the World Cup. After that, I didn’t have any sad feeling, any regret or anything for anyone or for myself also. I am not angry or anything,” he said, with the sadness evident in his voice.“I was grateful that God gave me the opportunity to stay with my dad for seven days. So, I was able to take care of him. And I enjoyed watching the World Cup on TV at home. It’s a very different feeling. It gives you lots of pressure rather than playing. And I was very happy for the boys.”With his father gone, the responsibility of being the eldest son has become a defining part of his life.“I can’t forget that thing and I don’t want to forget that thing because he is not there anymore. When you lose your dad, after a few days you get to know that you are now responsible for taking decisions in your family as the elder son.“And that’s it – to take care of your mother, brother and family. So, I’m someone who can’t show my feelings to them and can’t be weak in front of them because they are looking at me while playing cricket also. And I have to accept it,” Jitesh said while reflecting on how life sometimes delivers its toughest challenges.Grief, he admits, does not arrive all at once but settles in gradually, leaving behind a permanent void.“It hits after some time. I’m not coping with anything. I’m just accepting that my dad is not there anymore. There is a portion of my heart that is empty now. It will be empty till my death because of my dad.”Cricket, however, has also taught him resilience, helping him move forward despite the pain.“And I have learned to carry myself with that sorrow and that hollowness during practice. Because no matter how much I want, I can’t forget that thing. Because it’s your father, right? He is my hero for my life.”“If he was alive today, he would have told me to go and practice. Don’t worry about me. So I always bring this thing to my mind that if I’m in sorrow or pain, what he would have told me? I think he would have suggested me to go and play the game. And I’m very proud of it.”Jitesh also drew parallels with his India teammate Rinku Singh, saying he understands the emotional strength required to return to the field after personal setbacks.“That’s the same thing Rinku must have felt. That’s why he was able to come on the ground again. And it’s a very big thing.”‘Why can’t three keepers play together?’On the cricketing front, Jitesh remains pragmatic about team combinations. With wicketkeeper-batters like Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan also in contention, he said he would be happy to adapt to any role if it helps the team.“I think of it from a different perspective. I take it from a different perspective — that by doing my own work, why not two keepers be in the playing XI and the third play as a finisher? Exactly, that can also happen. Why not?”Learning from Virat KohliJitesh also spoke about the inspiration he draws from watching Virat Kohli up close at Royal Challengers Bengaluru, admitting that matching the former India captain’s intensity is not easy.“Just observing small things, you can learn a lot. And it can be a life-turning decision or life-turning observation. Because the way he prepares, starts his day, not just practice, I think it’s very impressive. Still, I’m 32 and I can’t match his energy.”

AHMEDABAD: There have been subtle changes for the better in Sanju Samson’s game. The T20 World Cup’s player of the tournament now has a remarkable steadiness when he plays his shots or is charging the bowler. The fidgety, twitchy version of Samson we saw earlier is gone.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!The changes can be attributed to the lean run prior to the World Cup in the T20I series against New Zealand, which led to his omission from the squad and prompted serious introspection.With opposition teams targeting India with off-spin early in the Powerplay to neutralise left-hander Abhishek Sharma’s power hitting, and with Rinku Singh being under-utilised down the order, India rejigged their lineup and brought in Sanju.

Suddenly, the pieces seemed to fit and India had the perfect batting order for the occasion. Samson smashed three crucial, consecutive half-centuries, was India’s leading scorer with 321 runs from five innings and has probably hit upon the kind of consistency which eluded him for long periods of his career.Now, Samson is also the leading Indian run-scorer in a single edition of the T20 World Cup.ALSO READ: Team India Report Card: Perfect finish to a not-so-perfect T20 World Cup campaign“As soon as we brought him (back), the game changed completely (for us),” captain Suryakumar Yadav said.“He started batting differently. That was a positive call for him. I saw him working very hard. When someone doesn’t play, what he does (outside the playing field) is more important. He did everything he could for the team when he was not playing. The last three to four innings he has batted for the team, it is a result of all the hard work he has put in,” said Surya, highlighting the hard yards in the nets by the opener.One of Samson’s earliest coaches, Biju George, told TOI, “Every batsman over a long tournament brings in minute adjustments. He just kept faith in his ability and backed himself. He kept hitting straight and strong.”Sanju’s batting now has the distinct clarity it lacked earlier. New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner said Samson had changed his approach from the bilateral series earlier.“Unfortunate for us, he was saving his runs for the World Cup. In a few of those games, he looked like he was trying to hit from ball one. Now, he gave himself a chance, gave himself a few balls. On these wickets, when you’re in, you can really cash in,” Santner said.

NEW DELHI: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) congratulated India cricket team after their victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 final against New Zealand national cricket team at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.India registered a commanding 96-run victory in the summit clash, lifting the trophy in front of a packed home crowd.

The triumph marked a historic milestone as India successfully defended the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title, becoming the first team in the tournament’s history to retain the trophy. The victory was also significant as India became the first nation to win the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup on home soil, making the occasion even more memorable for millions of fans.Under the leadership of captain Suryakumar Yadav, the Indian team showcased fearless and dynamic cricket throughout the competition. With explosive batting, disciplined bowling and exceptional fielding, the side remained consistent across all phases of the tournament and delivered when it mattered most.The BCCI also praised head coach Gautam Gambhir and the support staff for their leadership, planning and preparation, which helped build a confident and well-balanced team capable of performing under pressure.“The Board also commends the Men’s Selection Committee for identifying and backing a group of players who combined experience with youthful energy, resulting in a formidable squad that delivered on the biggest stage. The BCCI also thanks all its affiliated State Associations for their continued contribution in helping achieve this vision,” BCCI said in a statement.Congratulating the team, BCCI president Mithun Manhas said, “Winning the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is a moment of immense pride for the entire nation. To defend the title and achieve this feat on home soil makes it even more special. The team played outstanding cricket throughout the tournament under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav and the guidance of Head Coach Gautam Gambhir. I congratulate every member of the squad, the coaching staff and the selectors for this remarkable accomplishment.”BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said, “Indian cricket is currently in its golden phase. India hosted two major ICC events — the ICC Women’s World Cup last year and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup — and to emerge champions in both is simply remarkable. This success is also a reflection of the strong foundations laid over the years through progressive planning and vision. The contributions of Mr Jay Shah during his tenure in strengthening Indian cricket’s structures and global standing have played a significant role in shaping this era of excellence. Kudos to Captain Suryakumar Yadav and his fearless group, the team management led by Gautam Gambhir and the selectors for building a balanced side capable of excelling on the world stage yet again.”BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla added, “This victory is the result of collective effort, meticulous preparation and the commitment shown by the players and support staff throughout the tournament. The team has displayed remarkable composure and confidence in high-pressure situations, a hallmark of champion sides. To win the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in front of our home fans makes the moment even more special and memorable. I would like to acknowledge the efforts of ICC Chair Mr Jay Shah, whose strong leadership continues to strengthen the global growth of the game. We thank the ICC for organising such a wonderful tournament that showcased the very best of T20 cricket. This triumph will remain a historic milestone for Indian cricket and a source of immense pride for the entire nation.”

Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma of India lift the trophy (Getty Images)

Former England captain Michael Atherton has declared India national cricket team the leading force in limited-overs cricket, saying their recent dominance puts them in a strong position to potentially hold all three ICC white-ball trophies at the same time.India reinforced their status by defeating New Zealand national cricket team by 96 runs in the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup on Sunday. The victory secured a record third title for India and also made them the first side to successfully defend the T20 World Cup. It was also the first time a team had lifted the trophy on home soil.

Speaking on Sky Sports Cricket, Atherton said India’s excellence extends beyond the T20 format and reflects their broader dominance in white-ball cricket.“India are more than a pre-eminent T20 side. They are the pre-eminent white-ball side at the moment,” Atherton said.He pointed to India’s remarkable record across recent ICC tournaments to underline the point.“In the last few ICC global events, before today, they have won 30 out of 32 games. They have only been beaten in the final of the 50-over World Cup here by Australia, and that game by South Africa earlier in this tournament.“Across the board in white-ball cricket, they are the pre-eminent side. They were the strongest side here and deserve their victory,” he added.India’s run of dominance in ICC limited-overs competitions began during the 2023 Cricket World Cup, where they won every match before losing the final to Australia national cricket team. The team then went through the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup unbeaten and followed it with another perfect campaign in the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025.Their only setback in the latest T20 World Cup came against South Africa national cricket team during the Super Eight stage.With another Cricket World Cup scheduled for next year, Atherton believes India now have a realistic chance of holding every ICC limited-overs trophy simultaneously.“They may well mop it all up, there is a 50-over World Cup next year, and they have the chance now to hold the Champions Trophy, T20 World Cup, and the 50-over World Cup all in one go, and that will surely be their aim,” Atherton said.Another former England skipper, Nasser Hussain, believes India’s consistent success comes from a simple but highly effective formula. According to him, a batting order packed with aggressive power-hitters combined with the brilliance of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah makes the team extremely difficult to beat.“India’s formula is pretty simple.“A batting lineup full of powerful hitters that will get you an above par score and a bowler in Bumrah, who makes a below par score probably enough. He’s an absolute genius, and when you combine those two elements, they’re virtually unbeatable,” he added.