Indian captain Shubman Gill scored 52 off 21 balls, leading India to a 96-run win over New Zealand, securing their third T20 World Cup title and first defense of the title on home soil.

Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir defended opener Abhishek Sharma after three consecutive ducks in the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup group stage, stating he was not out of form but simply "out of runs." Drawing from his own 2014 IPL struggle, Gambhir urged Sharma to play aggressively and ignore criticism, emphasizing that form should be judged after 20 to 30 balls. Sharma responded with a rapid 52 off 21 balls—the fastest fifty of the tournament in 18 deliveries—helping India post 255 in the final. India won by 96 runs against New Zealand, securing a record third T20 World Cup title and becoming the first team to defend the title on home soil. Gambhir credited the team’s unity and unwavering belief in every player for the historic victory.