Gautam Gambhir dedicates T20 World Cup win to two mentors, reveals who supported him during his toughest phase !

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India head coach Gautam Gambhir dedicates the T20 World Cup 2026 triumph to Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman after India defeat New Zealand by 96 runs in the final.

Head coach Gautam Gambhir dedicated India’s historic triumph in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 to two key figures in Indian cricket, acknowledging their role in shaping the team’s success.

After India defeated the New Zealand national cricket team by a commanding 96 runs in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Gambhir said the victory was a result of collective effort and credited former India coach Rahul Dravid and cricket legend VVS Laxman for building the foundation that led to the triumph.

The victory marked a historic milestone for India national cricket team, as they became the first team to win three T20 World Cup titles and the first to successfully defend the trophy, having previously won the tournament in 2007 and 2024.

Gambhir responds to criticism after difficult period

The T20 World Cup victory also served as a form of validation for Gambhir after a challenging period during his coaching tenure.

India had faced criticism following Test series defeats against teams including the New Zealand national cricket team, Australia national cricket team, and South Africa national cricket team.

The losses had placed the head coach under intense scrutiny from fans and analysts.

However, speaking after the World Cup victory, Gambhir made it clear that his accountability lies with the players and staff inside the dressing room rather than critics on social media.

“My accountability is not for people on social media. My accountability is to those 30 people in that change room,” Gambhir said during the post-match press conference.

The former India opener emphasised that a coach’s success ultimately depends on the players.

“A coach is as good as his team. Players made me the coach I am,” he added.

Dedication to Dravid and Laxman

Despite the celebration surrounding the title victory, Gambhir took time to acknowledge the contribution of two senior figures in Indian cricket.

He dedicated the trophy to Rahul Dravid, who guided India to the 2024 T20 World Cup triumph, and VVS Laxman, who currently heads the BCCI Centre of Excellence.

“I would dedicate this trophy to Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman,” Gambhir said.

According to him, Dravid played a crucial role in putting the Indian team in a strong position, while Laxman’s work in developing young talent through the Centre of Excellence helped create a steady pipeline of players for the national side.

Gambhir thanks Agarkar and Jay Shah for their support

Gambhir also expressed gratitude to India’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar and Jay Shah, who he said stood by him during one of the most difficult phases of his coaching tenure.

According to Gambhir, Agarkar continued to work with honesty despite facing criticism for team selections.

He also revealed that Jay Shah personally reached out to him during a challenging period after India’s Test defeats.

“During my lowest ebb in my tenure after losing to New Zealand and South Africa, he called me,” Gambhir said.

The coach noted that such support played an important role in maintaining confidence during tough times.

Aggressive approach behind India’s success

Gambhir also explained the philosophy behind India’s fearless approach during the tournament.

He said the team had consciously decided to move away from conservative cricket and embrace an attacking mindset.

“We have to let go of the fear of losing. Rather than playing conservative cricket, getting out for 120 is okay,” Gambhir said.

He added that bravery and intent were key factors in India posting massive totals during crucial matches.

India produced explosive batting performances in both the semifinal and the final, crossing the 250-run mark in high-pressure games.

Captain Suryakumar Yadav praised for leadership

Gambhir also praised India captain Suryakumar Yadav, saying the skipper made his job easier by providing strong leadership.

“Surya made my job easier. He has been a leader who is a father figure,” Gambhir said.

The coach also stressed that team success should be valued more than individual milestones.

“The bigger purpose is to celebrate trophies, not milestones,” he said, urging fans and analysts to focus on team achievements rather than personal records.

Suryakumar reflects on partnership with Gambhir

Suryakumar Yadav echoed Gambhir’s sentiments and spoke about their strong understanding.

The captain recalled playing under Gambhir’s leadership at Kolkata Knight Riders, where they developed mutual trust.

“We have never had arguments as the common goal was how the team can win,” Suryakumar said.

He also revealed that the team now hopes to aim for another major milestone winning gold when cricket returns to the 2028 Summer Olympics.

Earlier Report : MS Dhoni’s ‘Coach Saab’ Remark on Gautam Gambhir Goes Viral After India’s T20 World Cup 2026 Win !

Batting fireworks and bowling brilliance seal the title

India’s victory in the final was built on a spectacular batting display.

A blistering 89 from Sanju Samson and aggressive half-centuries from Abhishek Sharma (52) and Ishan Kishan (54) powered India to an imposing total of 255 for five.

The top order unleashed a barrage of sixes that left New Zealand’s bowlers struggling to contain the scoring.

With the ball, pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah delivered another match-winning spell, finishing with remarkable figures of 4 for 15 in four overs.

All-rounder Axar Patel also played a key role with three wickets, as India bowled New Zealand out for 159 to seal a comprehensive victory.

A historic moment for Indian cricket

India’s triumph in Ahmedabad marked a defining moment in the country’s cricketing history.

By winning their third T20 World Cup and defending the title successfully, the Men in Blue reinforced their dominance in the shortest format of the game.

For Gambhir, the victory was more than just another trophy it was a moment that validated his vision, leadership and unwavering belief in the team.