India wins T20 WC: Hardik Pandya, GF Mahieka kiss passionately; Ishan Kishan kisses GF Aditi; SRK, PM Modi, Virat-Anushka rejoice

Chak De India! Team India clinched victory three years later at the same place where they lost the T20 World Cup back in 2023. Tables turned, and the boys not just played well but also rejoiced as they lifted the trophy. The Narendra Modi Stadium, which was once touted as a jinx, as India had not won any matches played at the stadium, witnessed history on the fateful night of March 8. India broke all records and claimed its third WC win. Team India is the only country to have won the WC thrice. And take a bow, Suryakumar Yadav, the captain, and the entire team.

India won by 96 runs against New Zealand. MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma, the former Indian captains, were there to cheer and boost the morale of Team India.

Suryakumar Yadav touches the soil of the stadium and places it on his forehead

Following the win, Suryakumar was visibly emotional, and his gesture got fans teary-eyed. The India skipper walked to the centre of the pitch and touched the soil with his hand before placing it on his forehead in a respectful manner.

Sanju Samson gave his career-best performances in all the matches played so far, and during the post-match presentation, he credited his win to Sachin Tendulkar.

He said, “This journey really started with the 2024 team when I couldn’t play a single game. I kept visualising and dreaming about moments like this. I knew I had to work hard to become good enough. After the New Zealand series, I was broken. I felt like my dream had been shattered again. But God had different plans. I’m extremely happy that I dared to keep dreaming.”

“When I was sitting out in Australia and not playing, I started thinking about the mindset I needed at that moment. That’s when I reached out to Sachin sir,” Samson said.

He said, “We had long conversations. Even yesterday, he called to check how I was feeling. Getting guidance from someone like him, what more can I ask for? It gave me clarity and helped me with my preparation, game awareness and understanding. I’m very grateful to everyone who supported me.”

Sanju Samson bagged the Player of the Tournament award.

Suryakumar Yadav: ‘Bumrah is a national treasure’

“I think it will take a little bit of time (to sink in), but definitely very happy with what has happened today. It has been a long journey, started post the 2024 World Cup when the BCCI, Jay (Shah) bhai, the secretary at that time, Rohit (Sharma) bhai and everyone showed faith in me and gave me an opportunity to lead this wonderful side. And then it was a long, long cycle coming here again to the Narendra Modi Stadium and doing it. I think it’s a special feeling.”

He said, “As Sanju said in the last game that he wanted to give his Man-of-the-Match award to Boom… Once in a generation bowler. I can call him a national treasure right now. He knows what needs to be done, how it needs to be done — the best in the business, and hopefully he keeps doing that.”

The celebrations are far from ending. During the celebrations, Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya were seen dancing around with the tricolour, with their girlfriends, Aditi Hundia and Mahieka Sharma, watching.

In a viral video, Hardik and Ishan can be seen dancing in a circle with both Aditi and Mahieka watching. Hardik and Mahieka, and Aditi and Ishan did garba, and post that, Ishan kissed Aditi, his girlfriend.

The romantic moments just didn’t stop there. Hardik and Mahieka also kissed each other. Hardik credited his win and every achievement of his life to his girlfriend.

Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma, Narendra Modi, and Shah Rukh Khan among others congratulated Team India.

PM Narendra Modi congratulated the team and said, “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!”