Virat Kohli praised Sanju Samson and Team India after their 96-run win over New Zealand in the T20 World Cup 2026 final and shared a special Instagram story for the star batter.
Former India captain Virat Kohli congratulated the Indian team after their win in the T20 World Cup 2026 final against New Zealand. India successfully defended the title with a strong 96-run win in Ahmedabad.
Virat Kohli also shared a special Instagram story praising Sanju Samson for his performances during the tournament. Notably, Sanju was awarded the “Player of the Tournament”.
“What a remarkable tournament from the most well-deserved man of the tournament @imsanjusamson. You performed when it mattered the most. Really happy for you chetta,” he wrote.
Sanju Samson created several records with his 89-run innings. The knock became the highest individual score in a T20 World Cup final. It moved past the previous 85 scores by Marlon Samuels in 2016 and Kane Williamson in 2021.
Samson also finished the tournament with 321 runs. The tally surpassed Virat Kohli’s earlier India record of 319 runs from 2014. He also hit 24 sixes in the competition. That number surpassed the previous mark of 22 set by Finn Allen. The innings of 89 also stand as the highest score by an Indian batter in a T20 World Cup final. It moved ahead of Virat Kohli’s 77 against Sri Lanka in 2014.
“Champions. Phenomenal win for Team India in Ahmedabad. Absolutely no match for the explosive cricket played by us throughout the tournament. Brilliant character shown by the boys to keep fighting in tough situations and become world champions once again. Congratulations to all the players and all the members of the management for achieving this feat. Jai Hind,” Kohli wrote for Team India.
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Champions ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Phenomenal win for Team India in Ahmedabad. Absolutely no match for the explosive cricket played by us throughout the tournament. Brilliant character shown by the boys to keep fighting in tough situations and become world champions once again. Congratulations to…
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) March 8, 2026
In the match, India produced an outstanding batting display in the final and scored 255 for 5. The total became the highest score ever recorded in an ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final. Sanju Samson led the innings with 89 runs. Abhishek Sharma scored 52, while Ishan Kishan added 54.
Samson and Abhishek gave India a strong start with a 98-run opening partnership in just over 7 overs.
James Neesham created some pressure by taking 3 quick wickets during India’s innings. However, Shivam Dube attacked in the closing overs. New Zealand struggled during the chase as Finn Allen and Glenn Phillips departed early. Jasprit Bumrah and Axar Patel then controlled the match with disciplined bowling, taking India to the 96-run massive win.
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