Former Team India captain Virat Kohli praised the Suryakumar Yadav-led team after their win over New Zealand in the T20 World Cup 2026 final. The 37-year-old batsman also said that opening batsman Sanju Samson, who won the Player of the Tournament award, performed when it mattered most in the competition.
India defeated New Zealand by 96 runs in the final match held at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, March 8. After being invited to bat first, the Men in Blue posted a mammoth total of 255 runs. In reply, the Black Caps struggled throughout the chase and were bowled out for only 159 runs.
The Indian men’s team broke many records in cricket history. It became the first team to win the T20 World Cup three times. They also became the first team to successfully defend their title. Furthermore, India became the first host nation to capture the crown.
You performed when it was needed most – Virat Kohli on Sanju Samson
After the final, Virat Kohli shared an Instagram story to praise Sanju Samson. Kohli said that Samson stepped up and performed remarkably in important matches.
Kohli wrote, “What an amazing tournament @imsanjusamson has had, the man of the tournament. You performed when it mattered most. Really happy for you chetta.”
Virat Kohli’s Instagram story for Sanju Samson. pic.twitter.com/1bvrG6sXpI
– Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) 8 March 2026
At the beginning of the year, Samson could score only 46 runs in five matches against New Zealand. In this tournament, he scored 22 runs on 8 balls against Namibia and 24 runs on 15 balls against Zimbabwe.
However, India backed him for tough matches. He scored three consecutive half-centuries. This opening batsman scored unbeaten 97 runs against West Indies, 89 runs against England and 89 runs against Kiwi team. He scored 321 runs in five innings of the tournament at a strike rate of 199.37.
Absolutely no one could come close to this – Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli shared a special post on Instagram to congratulate the team. The former Indian captain said that Indian cricketers showed great character under pressure throughout the tournament.
“Champions once again . Phenomenal win for us in the big final in Ahmedabad. Great character shown by the boys under pressure throughout the tournament and no one could come close to this talented group of players. Congratulations to the entire management and the entire support staff group for being a part of this amazing achievement. Well deserved. Jai Hind .”
Jasprit Bumrah won the title of Player of the Match by taking four wickets.
India batted first in the final and scored a total of 255/5. Sanju Samson scored 89 runs in 46 balls with the help of five fours and eight sixes. Abhishek Sharma scored 52 runs in 21 balls while Ishan Kishan added 54 runs in 25 balls.
New Zealand lost wickets at regular intervals during the run chase. They failed to build a partnership and were out for 159 runs in 19 overs. Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah destroyed the batting lineup. He took four wickets for just 15 runs in his four overs. Akshar Patel took three wickets for 27 runs.
Jasprit Bumrah was chosen player of the match for his brilliant bowling. Bumrah was also the bowler taking the highest wicket in the tournament. He took 14 wickets in eight matches at an excellent average of 12.42 and economy rate of 6.21.
Also read: ‘No black jersey’: Suryakumar Yadav stops New Zealand fans from entering Narendra Modi Stadium
