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India thrashed New Zealand by 96 runs at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

India romped to a 96-run victory over New Zealand in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. (AFP photos)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday congratulated the Indian cricket team for their historic win at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, calling it a display of “outstanding grit, determination and teamwork.”
“Champions! Congratulations to the Indian team on winning the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup! This remarkable triumph reflects exceptional skills, determination and teamwork. They have shown outstanding grit through the tournament. This victory has filled every Indian heart with pride and joy. Well done, Team India!” PM Modi wrote on X.
Champions!Congratulations to the Indian team on winning the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup!
This remarkable triumph reflects exceptional skills, determination and teamwork. They have shown outstanding grit through the tournament.
This victory has filled every Indian heart with…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 8, 2026
India thrashed New Zealand by 96 runs at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, becoming the first team to defend their T20 World Cup title and claim a record third crown.
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Reactions from across the spectrum
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also praised the team, calling it a “victory that has brought glory and pride to the nation.”
“What a victory…!! Hats-off to World Champion #TeamIndia. Your exceptional performance throughout the tournament and the vigorous display of mettle has brought glory and pride for the nation,” Shah wrote.
President Droupadi Murmu extended her “heartiest congratulations” to the team, noting India’s distinction as the only country to win the T20 World Cup three times and twice in a row.
“Every single player, entire management and the support staff deserve the highest praise for this collective triumph. I wish our cricket team sustained glory in the future,” Murmu said.
Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi hailed the team as “champions once again,” giving special mention to Sanju Samson and Jasprit Bumrah for their remarkable performances.
“Congratulations to Team India on retaining the trophy at home and giving the nation yet another unforgettable moment to celebrate,” Gandhi wrote.
Champions once again! 🇮🇳A magnificent victory for our Men in Blue with a special mention to Sanju Samson and Jaspreet Bumrah for their remarkable performance throughout the tournament.
Congratulations to Team India on retaining the trophy at home and giving the nation yet… pic.twitter.com/ZfcJsvqPvP
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) March 8, 2026
Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia also congratulated the team, calling them “the best team in the world” and praising their flawless campaign on home soil.
Sharing his excitement to the media, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said, “I am absolutely thrilled beyond belief. We won the World Cup, we won at home, we won in Ahmedabad, where we lost the last time. On top of that, my Thiruvananthapuram boy, Sanju Samson, is again the hero. It has been a terrific birthday present for my birthday tomorrow.”
#WATCH | Delhi: As India wins the #T20WorldCup2026final, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor says, “I am absolutely thrilled beyond belief. We won the World Cup, we won at home, we won in Ahmedabad, where we lost the last time. On top of that, my Thiruvananthapuram boy, Sanju Samson, is… pic.twitter.com/AWzpzemSVI— ANI (@ANI) March 8, 2026
Even business leaders joined in celebrating the win. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella tweeted his congratulations, praising key performers, “@Jaspritbumrah93 , once again a match winner when it mattered most. @IamSanjuSamson , what a tournament and what an impact. Absolutely incredible.”
Google CEO Sundar Pichai also took to X and shared, “Congrats India on winning the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup! chose the wrong game to go watch:) what a stadium and atmosphere. Well played to the other semi finalists, SA, Eng and Nz!! Also so exciting to see the game expand to so many countries and congrats to ICC for a great tournament!”
March 08, 2026, 22:54 IST
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