Fireworks lit up the night sky and music blared from loudspeakers as people across India poured into the streets on Sunday to celebrate the country’s historic win against New Zealand in the ICC T20 Men’s World Cup 2026 final.
A crowd of over 100,000 roared in delight at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad city in the western state of Gujarat as the Indian team lifted the coveted trophy.
Restaurants and pubs streamed the match live, fans filled the air with chants of “India! India!”, and thousands danced and sang on the streets wearing the team’s colours.
Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav said: “We wanted to do something special in front of our home crowd, and we want to continue doing that and never stop.”
This was India’s third T20 World Cup win, having previously won the competition in 2007 and 2024.
Earlier, New Zealand team captain Mitchell Santner told reporters that he “wouldn’t mind breaking a few hearts and lifting a trophy for once”. But that did not happen on Sunday as India defeated the Black Caps, blasting 255 runs before bowling out New Zealand for 159 to win this T20 World Cup final by 96 runs.
Prime minister Narendra Modi congratulated the team in a post on X: “Champions!”
“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!”
India made some T20 history: the first men’s side to retain the trophy, the first country to win it three times, and the first to win it on home soil. Throw in the women’s ODI World Cup, won last October, and India’s white-ball dominance is near total.
Bike rallies were organised after the match in some cities, including Gomti Nagar in Lucknow. At other places, drum-beating fans joined in the celebrations.
Mehmood, a 14-year-old boy from the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, told The Times of India newspaper: “I don’t have a television at home, so I came from 14km away to watch Ishan Kishan play on the big screen.” He watched the final at the Sports Galaxy Ground, a premier cricket ground in Lucknow, where the match was being live-streamed on a large screen.
On X, several cricketers, Bollywood celebrities, and politicians congratulated the team.
Cricket legend, Sachin Tendulkar, wrote on X: “Winning the World Cup twice in a row, the first time any team has done so in the T20 format. Totally deserving and rightful winners of the trophy. What a fantastic performance by our team and a special brand of cricket on display. Well done, Team India. Jai Hind!”
India’s home minister, Amit Shah, who was present at the stadium in Gujarat to watch the final, said: “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.”
Leader of the opposition in India, Rahul Gandhi, called the win an “unforgettable moment”.
“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 another unforgettable moment to celebrate.”
Sanju Samson was named the player of the tournament. Former India team captain Virat Kohli called the win an “amazing feat” and very well deserved”.
He added: “Phenomenal victory for us in the big final at Ahmedabad. Great character shown by the boys under pressure throughout the tournament and absolutely no one could come close to this talented bunch of players.”
Bollywood actor Ajay Devgn wrote: “My throat is gone from all the shouting, but my smile isn’t going anywhere all week! #TeamIndia you have made billions of hearts beat with pride tonight! CHAMPIONS once again!”
Santner said at the post-match presentation: “Today, we got outplayed by a great team in front of a great crowd. To see a big sea of blue, obviously India were home favourites.
“They showed again that once they get going they are pretty tough to stop.”
