Gautam Gambhir Dedicates Historic Title To Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman And Ajit Agarkar

India national cricket team created history by winning the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, as coach Gautam Gambhir dedicated the title to Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman and others.

History was made in Ahmedabad on Sunday night as the India national cricket team secured a record-breaking second consecutive ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title. The hosts defeated the New Zealand national cricket team by 96 runs in the final at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium, successfully defending the trophy in front of a packed home crowd.

The emphatic win not only confirmed India’s dominance in the shortest format but also marked a special milestone for head coach Gautam Gambhir, who added another major achievement to his cricketing career.

Gambhir Creates Unique Record As Player And Coach

The triumph carried extra significance for Gautam Gambhir, who became the first cricketer to win the T20 World Cup both as a player and as a coach. Having previously been part of India’s successful campaigns as a player, Gambhir now joins an exclusive list of individuals to guide the national team to a global title from the dressing room.

Despite the personal milestone, Gambhir chose to credit several key figures who played an important role in shaping Indian cricket in recent years. During the post-match press conference, he acknowledged the contributions of former head coach Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman, and chief selector Ajit Agarkar.

“I would dedicate this trophy to Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman. To Rahul bhai for putting the Indian team in a place and Laxman for creating a pipeline at CoE,” Gambhir said at the post-match press conference.

“Ajit Agarkar, who took a lot of flak and worked with a lot of honesty. And to Jay bhai. During the lowest ebb in my tenure after losing to NZ and then SA (at home in the Test series in 2024 and 2025), he called me,” he noted.

Gambhir Emphasises Accountability To Dressing Room

The India head coach also addressed criticism that had surfaced during difficult phases of his tenure. Gambhir made it clear that his focus remains firmly on the players and staff inside the dressing room rather than external opinions on social media.

“My accountability is not for people on Social Media. My accountability is to those 30 people in that change room. A coach is as good as his team. Players made me the coach I am,” Gambhir added.

Gambhir highlighted that the strong bond within the team environment has been crucial to India’s success. He credited the players for backing his approach and executing the strategies effectively on the field.

India’s Fearless Approach Delivers Dominant Final Win

India delivered a commanding all-round performance in the final to secure the title. The hosts posted a formidable 255 for five, putting enormous pressure on New Zealand in the chase. The bowling attack then dismantled the opposition, bundling them out for 159 to seal a comfortable victory.

Gambhir stressed that India’s success was built on a fearless mindset and a willingness to play aggressive cricket, even in high-pressure knockout matches.

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“We have to let go of fear of losing. Rather than playing conservative cricket, getting out for 120 is okay. The hallmark has been bravery and showing courage to score 250 in semis and finals,” Gambhir said.

The head coach also reserved special praise for captain Suryakumar Yadav, crediting him for playing a key leadership role throughout the campaign.

“Surya made my job easier. He has been a leader who is a father figure. The bigger purpose is to celebrate trophies, not milestones. For too many years, we have celebrated milestones. I will urge you people, to stop celebrating personal milestones,” Gambhir reiterated.