Gautam Gambhir Dedicates India’s T20 World Cup Win To 3 Cricketers, 1 Admin

Gautam Gambhir celebrating the win [Source: X]

India bailed out with a massive T20 World Cup 2026 win, with Gautam Gambhir being one of those people who has never lost a final as a player, a coach, or a mentor. With massive achievements under his name, Gambhir shared his vote of thanks, surprisingly, to some people who were usually not expected. 

Gautam Gambhir has been widely known for alleged credit-stealing mischiefs on the internet. However, the head coach was quite generous after the India vs New Zealand T20 World Cup final went in his favor.

Gautam Gambhir Wins Third ICC Title As India Head Coach

Gambhir was officially appointed as the head coach of the national cricket team on July 9, 2024, succeeding Rahul Dravid. He took over the role to lead the team across all formats and changed the style of leading the team from a more balanced approach to a much more fearless style of play. 

Notably, his tenure began with the team’s immediate ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 victory, and he will oversee proceedings till the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027 because of his three-year tenure.

However, so far, this two-year period has not been very smooth for the former player since many controversies took place during this tenure. Nevertheless, he was the happiest after the win at the Narendra Modi Stadium on March 8, where he shared that he wants to dedicate the trophy to some special people.

Also Read: Gautam Gambhir Fires Shots At Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma 1st Thing After Winning T20 World Cup

Gambhir Credits Rahul Dravid, Jay Shah For The Win

Speaking after the match in a post-match press conference, Gautam Gambhir dedicated the trophy to Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman, and Jay Shah, chairman of the International Cricket Council.

“I want to dedicate this trophy to Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman. What Rahul Bhai has done to make Indian cricket to here. VVS for how he has been leading the CoE. Ajit Agarkar, he gets a lot of flak. Jay bhai, he has been in touch with me after my lowest. I have to thank these guys. Till these guys are here, Indian cricket is in very very safe place,” Gambhor said as quoted by RevSportz Global.

Gambhir Reveals India's Playing Strategy And The Samson Coup

Speaking about the in-form Sanju Samson, who almost single-handedly pushed the team forward in the crucial Super 8 game against the West Indies, the semi-final against England, and even in the final with his 80-plus score, Gautam Gambhir was very expressive about explaining the strategy behind bringing in Samson.

“It was a tactical change to do the batting change. We never thought that Sanju is out of form. After the NZ series, we just wanted to give him a break which is very important. We have the luxury of playing with different combinations. And off spinner was not a reason to change that. It was tactical. We are very blessed to have the depth that we have,” Gambhir added.

Speaking further about the brand of cricket that the team is currently playing, Gautam Gambhir also shared his mindset behind the current philosophy of the team.

“I don't believe in inheriting, I believe in creating. I wanted to play a different brand of cricket as a coach. To create a team who can outplay, out bat, out bowl teams. We don't want to have that fear of losing a cricket match. Entries country should be proud,” Gambhir concluded.

India Flatten New Zealand on 'Cursed' Ahmedabad Track

Speaking of the match, New Zealand faltered disappointingly against a dominating national cricket team with the bat. Sanju Samson led with his 46-ball 89, alongside Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan, who scored 50-plus runs.

The powerplay alone saw a massive score of 92 without the loss of any wicket, which was later accelerated by Shivam Dube in the death overs to push India’s total to 255 runs at the end of 20 overs.

New Zealand, coming in to chase, were significantly disappointing with the bat. As the middle order crumbled, only opener Tim Seifert and captain Mitchell Santner tried to offer some resistance before the team was bundled out for 159 runs, handing the hosts, a 96-run win.

Also Read: MS Dhoni Speaks On Gautam Gambhir For The 1st Time After T20 World Cup 2026 Win