'Coach Saab, Smile....': MS Dhoni sends message to Gautam Gambhir after T20 World Cup Title

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MS Dhoni sent a sweet message to the Indian team after their triumphant T20 World Cup title at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday (March 8).

India scripted an unforgettable chapter in cricket history on March 8, 2026, clinching their third ICC Men's T20 World Cup title with a commanding 96-run victory over New Zealand in the final at Ahmedabad's iconic Narendra Modi Stadium.

In front of a roaring crowd of over 86,000 fans, captain Suryakumar Yadav's Men in Blue batted first after New Zealand opted to field.

India unleashed a batting masterclass, posting a formidable 255/5 in their 20 overs, the highest total in a T20 World Cup final. Opener Sanju Samson blazed away with a sensational 89 off 46 balls, earning Player of the Tournament honors for his tournament-long brilliance. Abhishek Sharma provided a fiery start with 52, Ishan Kishan chipped in with a quick 54, and Shivam Dube's explosive late cameo, including clutch hits in the final over off James Neesham, propelled the score.

Chasing 256, New Zealand crumbled under India's relentless bowling attack. Jasprit Bumrah, named Player of the Match, delivered a masterclass with figures of 4/15, dismantling the top order. Axar Patel supported brilliantly with 3 wickets, while the spin duo choked the run flow. Tim Seifert top-scored with 52, but New Zealand were bundled out for 159 in 19 overs.

This triumph made India the first team to win three T20 World Cups (2007, 2024, 2026), the first to defend the title successfully, and the first to lift it on home soil.

MS Dhoni was present at the stadium along with Rohit Sharma and Kapil Dev - as all three World Cup-winning captains were invited on the night (now 4 with Suryakumar Yadav).

Dhoni took to social media after the victory and congratulated the Indian team. He also sent a sweet message to coach Gautam Gambhir, and said a smile suits on the Indian coach. Gambhir is known for his seriousness but the India head coach was in all smiles.

"History gets created at Ahmedabad, big congratulations to the team and support staff and to all the fans of Indian Cricket Team worldwide. Such a pleasure to see all of u play. Coach Sahab smile looks great on u, intensity with smile is a killer combo, very well done. Enjoy guys," Dhoni wrote on Instagram.

He also mentioned Jasprit Bumrah as 'Champion Bowler' and said he rather won't speak much on the pacer. Bumrah picked up 4 wickets on the night and won the Player of the Match award.