Fact Check- Did Ish Sodhi Cry During Indian National Anthem Before T20 World Cup Final?

Ish Sodhi [Source: @wokenupkohli/x.com]

The ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Final in Ahmedabad had already set the stage for a blockbuster night. A packed Narendra Modi Stadium, two heavyweight teams in India and New Zealand, and the pressure of a global final.

But even before the first ball was bowled, one moment suddenly began circulating across social media. Several posts claimed that New Zealand spinner Ish Sodhi was seen crying during the Indian national anthem before the final. 

The clip spread quickly online and many fans believed the emotional moment happened moments before the game. However, a closer look shows the story is not exactly what it seems.

Did Ish Sodhi cry during the Indian national anthem?

The short answer is no. The viral clip doing the rounds on social media is not from the T20 World Cup 2026 Final in Ahmedabad. It is actually an older video of Ish Sodhi from a previous occasion that has been reshared with misleading claims.

Several users shared the clip saying Sodhi got emotional during “Jana Gana Mana” before the final, but there is no confirmation that the moment happened during this match.

Read More: List Of Records Made During India’s Colossal T20 World Cup Final Total Vs New Zealand

Sodhi is not a part of the playing XI for New Zealand in the final. The emotional clip circulating online appears to have been taken from an earlier match, which led to confusion among fans.

Fan Account Richard Kettlebourogh

@RichKettle07

Born in Ludhiana, India - migrated to New Zealand when he was 4, today Ish Sodhi is playing the Final against India. He got emotional during the national anthem 🥺 #INDvsNZ

Mar 8, 2026, 8:59 PM

Why the moment resonated with fans?

Even though the viral claim is misleading, the emotional reaction from fans makes sense when you look at Ish Sodhi’s background.

The New Zealand leg-spinner was born in Ludhiana, Punjab, into a Punjabi Sikh family. His family history in the subcontinent runs deep. His grandmother originally hailed from Lahore in Pakistan before Partition.

However, life changed early for Sodhi. When he was just four years old, his family moved to Papatoetoe in New Zealand. That move eventually shaped his cricket journey.

Growing up in New Zealand, Sodhi developed his skills through the domestic circuit and gradually worked his way into the Black Caps setup.

Today, he represents New Zealand on the international stage, even though his roots trace back to India.

India unleash batting fireworks in the final

While the viral video grabbed early attention online, the match itself quickly turned into a batting spectacle as India came out swinging from ball one.

Sanju Samson led the charge with a blistering 89 off 46 balls, smashing eight sixes and five boundaries. He looked in complete control and kept the scoreboard ticking at breakneck speed.

At the other end, Abhishek Sharma played an attacking knock as he raced to 52 off just 21 balls. His half-century came in only 18 deliveries, setting the tone early in the innings.

The fireworks didn’t stop there. Ishan Kishan joined the party, hammering 54 off 25 balls and pushing India past the 200-run mark in quick time.

By the time the innings reached the 18th over, India are already 220/4, with the run rate touching nearly 13 runs per over. The Men in Blue are looking for an explosive finish, whereas the Kiwis are trying to keep India below 240.

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