India’s extraordinary victory in the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup will be remembered not only for the dominance displayed on the field but also for the vision and leadership that shaped the team behind the scenes. Head coach Gautam Gambhir dedicated the historic win to his predecessor Rahul Dravid and the head of cricket at the Centre of Excellence, VVS Laxman, lauding the foundations laid before his tenure began. Gambhir also expressed gratitude toward chief selector Ajit Agarkar and Jay Shah for backing the team’s long-term vision. Meanwhile, India defeated New Zealand by a commanding 96 runs in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday to clinch their record third title win.
"I think first of all I should dedicate this trophy to Rahul (Dravid) bhai, and then to VVS Laxman (bhai). Because (of) what Rahul bhai has done to keep Indian cricket in such a good shape during his tenure, I have to thank him for everything. And then VVS Laxman for unconditionally doing so much for Indian cricket behind the doors, because the CoE remains the pipeline for Indian cricket. And third is obviously Ajit Agarkar, because he does take a lot of flak, but the amount of honesty he has worked with," Gambhir said at the press conference after India's title win.
"And last but not least, I have to thank Jay (Shah) bhai, because not many people have actually called me when I've gone through the lowest moments in my tenure, whether it was after New Zealand, whether it was after South Africa, the only person who called me actually was Jay Bhai. And I have to thank him for trusting me with this job, because I very well remember this: that when I was given this job, I had no experience of being the head coach of any franchise or any team, but trusting me with this job, so I have to thank these guys. And I think till these guys are there, I think Indian cricket is in very, very safe hands," he said.
Under coach Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav, there has been a huge change in mindset. Together, they have transformed the side into a fearless and aggressive unit, which is what was seen throughout the tournament.
"First of all, it's the players who have made me win. And I've been saying for a long time that you are as good a coach or captain as your players are. So I think the credit needs to go to the players for the way, the professionalism and, most importantly, the bravery with which this tournament was played," Gambhir said.
"As the captain said, in bilateral, it used to be said that we used to play in different ways, but in ICC tournaments, we play in different ways. That was one thing we wanted to change and I'm sure everyone has seen that. If you make more than 250 runs in the semi-final and final, it just shows the quality and bravery and courage with which this tournament was played," he said.