India head coach Gauitam Gambhir with captain Suryakumar Yadav. (Pic credit: BCCI)

NEW DELHI: For Gautam Gambhir, there is one idea that outweighs every statistic, every personal landmark and every century celebrated in record books. Trophies matter. Milestones do not.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!The India head coach reiterated that philosophy yet again after India crushed New Zealand by 96 runs in the final to secure their third ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title on Sunday. Even amid the celebrations of a dominant, era-defining victory, Gambhir used the moment to remind everyone what truly counts.

“I think my simple philosophy with Surya has always been that milestones don’t matter. It’s the trophies that matter,” Gambhir said, referring to T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav. “For too long in Indian cricket, we’ve spoken about milestones. And I hope, till I’m there, we’re not going to talk about milestones.”The former India opener, who himself top-scored for the team in two ICC finals during his playing days, did not mince words while addressing the media. His message was clear: stop glorifying individual numbers.ALSO READ: Firm ideas, flexible tactics: How Gambhir helped India tame T20’s fickle nature“Stop celebrating milestones, celebrate trophies,” Gambhir said. “That is going to be important because the bigger purpose of a team sport is to be winning trophies, not scoring individual runs. It has never mattered to me, and it will never matter to me.”According to Gambhir, the current Indian team under Suryakumar has fully bought into that mindset. “I have been very fortunate that Surya and me were on the same page, especially on this front,” he added.He cited the performances of Sanju Samson during the business end of the tournament as the perfect example of the approach. Samson’s explosive knocks — including a 97 not out in the virtual quarter-final and crucial scores in the semi-final and final — were built around team needs rather than personal landmarks.“You can see it in the last three games, what Sanju did,” Gambhir said. “Imagine if you would have been playing for a milestone, probably we wouldn’t have got 250.”Away from the field, Gambhir also brushed aside the noise from social media criticism that has often followed him during India’s highs and lows.“My accountability is not towards any social media,” he said. “My accountability is towards those 30 people sitting in the dressing room.”For Gambhir, the team environment itself is built on something deeper than results — trust.“You pick the team on trust and faith. You don’t pick on hope,” he explained. “And when you pick someone on trust and faith, you don’t lose that after four or five games.”

You don’t have permission to access “http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/who-was-vallabh-maheshwari-shakun-group-md-killed-in-bmw-crash-on-delhi-mumbai-expressway-rajasthan-alwar-11188344” on this server.

Reference #18.34a21ab8.1773038778.1be4683

https://errors.edgesuite.net/18.34a21ab8.1773038778.1be4683

The United States and Israel are discussing the possibility of deploying special forces inside Iran to secure the country’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium as the conflict with Tehran deepens, according to sources familiar with the matter cited by Axios.Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, US president Donald Trump did not rule out the idea of sending ground troops into Iran, though he indicated that such a move would only be considered under exceptional circumstances.Click here for live updates“At some point maybe we will. That would be a great thing,” Trump said when asked about securing Iran’s nuclear material. “Right now we’re just decimating them, but we haven’t gone after it. We wouldn’t do it now. Maybe we will do it later.”

Focus on uranium stockpile

Preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon has been one of Trump’s stated objectives in the war. Central to that concern is Iran’s estimated 450 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60% purity, which experts say could be converted to weapons-grade material within weeks.

According to Axios, US and Israeli officials have discussed sending special operations units to secure the material later in the war, once Iran’s military capabilities are further degraded. Any such mission would likely require American or Israeli troops to enter Iranian territory and navigate heavily fortified underground nuclear facilities.It remains unclear whether the operation would be conducted by US forces, Israeli troops or a joint team.At a congressional briefing earlier this week, US secretary of state Marco Rubio suggested that physically securing the uranium could become necessary. “People are going to have to go and get it,” he said, without specifying who would carry out the mission.

Options under discussion

A US official told the news outlet that the administration has explored two main approaches: removing the enriched uranium from Iran entirely or sending nuclear experts to dilute it on-site so it can no longer be used for weapons.Such an operation could involve special operations units working alongside nuclear scientists, potentially including experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).“The first question is, where is it? The second question is, how do we get to it and how do we get physical control?” a US official said while outlining the operational challenge.“And then, it would be a decision of the president and the Department of War, CIA, as to whether we wanted to physically transport it or dilute it on premises.”

Underground facilities

US and Israeli officials believe most of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile is located in underground tunnels at the nuclear facility in Isfahan, with the rest split between Fordow and Natanz.Strikes carried out by the US and Israel earlier in the conflict reportedly buried parts of the uranium stockpile under rubble and destroyed most of Iran’s centrifuges, with officials saying there is currently no evidence that enrichment has resumed.Some of the early strikes also appeared aimed at sealing entrances to the sites, likely to prevent the material from being moved.

Kharg Island also on cards

Beyond nuclear facilities, Axios reported that officials in Washington have also discussed the possibility of seizing Kharg Island, a strategic oil terminal that handles about 90% of Iran’s crude exports.Taking control of the island could deal a significant blow to Iran’s energy revenues and restrict its ability to fund military operations.

Not a large ground invasion

Despite discussions about deploying troops, officials emphasised that any operation under consideration would likely be limited in scope.NBC News reported that Trump had discussed sending a small contingent of US troops to Iran for specific strategic missions.“Boots on the ground for Trump is not the same as what it means for the media,” a senior US official told Axios.“Small special ops raids, not a big force going in,” another source said.“What has been discussed hasn’t been thought of in terms of boots on the ground,” a third source added. “People think Fallujah. That’s not what has been discussed.”White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt also said Trump continues to keep his options open. “The president wisely keeps all options available to him open, and does not rule things out,” she told Axios.

Strategic stakes

The enriched uranium remains one of the most sensitive issues in the conflict. Officials say that if Iran’s entire stockpile were enriched to 90% purity, it could potentially produce material for around 11 nuclear bombs.For the Trump administration and its allies, ensuring the material cannot be weaponised has become a key strategic objective as the war with Iran continues.

You don’t have permission to access “http://www.ndtv.com/world-news/from-arab-spring-to-covid-a-history-of-oil-price-swings-this-century-middle-east-conflict-iran-israel-us-war-russia-ukraine-conflict-11188354” on this server.

Reference #18.d72fc917.1773033561.1b31a19

https://errors.edgesuite.net/18.d72fc917.1773033561.1b31a19

India erupted in celebration after the national cricket team scripted history by winning the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 final against New Zealand on Sunday. The victory was not just another trophy for the Men in Blue – it was a moment that etched India’s name deeper into the record books. President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the chorus of congratulatory messages, applauding the team for an extraordinary performance that filled millions of hearts with pride.

India’s commanding 96-run win at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad made them the first team in the history of the tournament to win the T20 World Cup three times. Even more remarkable was the fact that India also became the first side to defend the title successfully, having previously won the tournament in 2024.

President Droupadi Murmu praises Team India’s historic achievement

President Droupadi Murmu shared her heartfelt congratulations with the team through a post on social media platform X. She described the victory as a moment that pushed Indian cricket to new heights and reflected the nation’s immense sporting potential.

In her message, the President highlighted the uniqueness of India’s achievement, noting that the team now holds the proud distinction of being the only country to lift the T20 World Cup three times. She also emphasized how special it was that India managed to win the trophy in consecutive editions, something no other team has achieved before.

Murmu said the victory had brought immense joy to India’s cricket-loving population and stood as a powerful symbol of the talent and dedication of the country’s young athletes. She also acknowledged the collective effort behind the triumph, praising not only the players but also the team management and support staff who played crucial roles behind the scenes.

Wishing the team continued success in the future, the President expressed hope that Indian cricket would keep reaching new milestones in the years to come.

“Heartiest congratulations to Team India which scaled several peaks of history by winning the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup emphatically. India has the proud distinction of being the only country to win the cup three times. It is also the only team to win the cup twice in a row. This brings immense joy and pride to our cricket loving people. It is also a marker of the rich talent pool we have among our youth in diverse fields. 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,” she wrote.

Heartiest congratulations to Team India which scaled several peaks of history by winning the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup emphatically. India has the proud distinction of being the only country to win the cup three times. It is also the only team to win the cup twice in a row. This…

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) March 8, 2026

PM Narendra Modi applauds Men in Blue’s determination

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also joined the celebrations, congratulating the team and applauding their exceptional performance throughout the tournament. In his message, he described the victory as a remarkable achievement that showcased the players’ talent, determination, and teamwork.

According to the Prime Minister, the team’s consistent grit and composure under pressure were key factors behind their success. He added that the triumph had filled every Indian heart with pride and joy, as fans across the country celebrated the historic moment.

“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,” he captioned his post.

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

Also WATCH: Ishan Kishan pulls off a stunning catch to dismiss Rachin Ravindra in T20 World Cup 2026 Final

Team India’s dominant performance in the final

India’s triumph was built on a spectacular batting display in the final. The team posted a massive 255 for five, the highest total ever recorded in a T20 World Cup final.

Sanju Samson led the charge with a superb knock of 89 off 46 balls, anchoring the innings with confidence and flair. Abhishek Sharma provided explosive momentum by smashing the fastest fifty of the tournament in just 18 balls, eventually scoring 52 off 21 deliveries.

Ishan Kishan added further firepower with a quick 54 off 25 balls, while Shivam Dube finished the innings strongly with an unbeaten 26 off just eight deliveries.

New Zealand struggled to keep pace during their chase and were restricted to 159 for nine in their 20 overs. Jasprit Bumrah delivered a sensational spell, claiming four wickets for just 15 runs, while Axar Patel supported him brilliantly with figures of 3 for 27.

Also READ: President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulate India on clinching the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 title

Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav (Screengrab)

In the run-up to this T20 World Cup, Suryakumar Yadav was asked about the all-attack approach he had instilled in the T20 team. India were on an impressive winning run and the question perhaps begged itself. But the captain immediately contradicted the journalist.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!“It’s true that we are playing that form of cricket, but it’s not me who started it,” he said. “We started playing this brand of cricket under Rohit,” Surya said, explaining how deeply indebted the team was to its former captain, under whom Surya has played both for India and Mumbai Indians.

It is the mindset change that Rohit, working in tandem with then coach Rahul Dravid, first brought to this team that has made them such a powerhouse in T20 cricket today. We need to go back and understand how the change happened.India, after a brilliant initiation to the T20 format with the inaugural World Cup win under MS Dhoni in 2007, had slowly settled into a style that was getting outdated. Though the team was always competitive through the 2010s, the fact that Dhoni — and later Virat Kohli’s team — didn’t win a World Cup indicated something was going wrong.ALSO READ: Firm ideas, flexible tactics: How Gautam Gambhir helped India tame T20’s fickle natureThe point of inflection probably came in the 2022 World Cup in Australia when India lost by 10 wickets to England in the semifinal in Adelaide. Rohit-led India had put up 168 on that day, a target which England galloped to in 16 overs.After that harsh defeat, Rohit understood that something had to change. That’s when he decided to bring in a complete change of approach to T20 cricket. It started with the opening partnership itself and Rohit took it upon himself to launch an attack right from the beginning. Up until then, 50 runs were more than acceptable in the Powerplay.Taking a cue from teams like Australia and England, Rohit figured that the envelope needed to be pushed and 75 was something that India should target in the first six overs. It didn’t matter to him if a couple of wickets fell in the process. The idea was to take the battle to the opposition right from the word go.Rohit showed the world how it could be done during the 2024 World Cup in St Lucia, when his 41-ball 92 didn’t just help India thrash Australia but sent them home from the Super Six stage.To have that no-fear approach, there was a sacrifice that Rohit had to make. No could no longer go in with four specialist bowlers. It had to be three and they were backed up by three (or four) allrounders. In 2024, it was Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shivam Dube and Hardik Pandya who were backing up Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh and Kuldeep Yadav, the three bowlers.This meant that while batters could bat with a sense of freedom secure in the knowledge that there is cover till No. 8, the specialist bowlers had to take more responsibility.It, of course, helped that India found Jasprit Bumrah at the peak of his powers. The unconventional pacer, who hardly goes for more than 25 in his four overs, invariably gave India the extra cushion to work with. Post 2024, as Rohit, Virat Kohli and Jadeja retired and Surya took over, he started taking this philosophy to the next level.Of course, it helped that he got a coach in Gautam Gambhir who too believes in a similar philosophy. Surya decided that Abhishek Sharma was his No. 1 opener. It was after an IPL game where he was the Man of the Match that Abhishek said, “Surya-bhai keeps telling me to go on playing like this. He follows my game closely, which gives me a lot of confidence.”While Abhishek was up and down in this World Cup, India’s lineup — with eight batters — never took a backward step. Sanju Samson, who found his spot in the XI in the latter stages, came in with the same mindset. Even though Samson had failed in a number of games before he got his chance against Zimbabwe in Chennai, the team management ensured that he didn’t change his batting style.It was this fearlessness flowing down the order that helped India get scores of 256-4 and 253-7 in the two must-win games against Zimbabwe and England and chase down 199 against the West Indies.The approach had its costs, putting extreme pressure on the allrounders, especially with mystery spinner C Varun losing his rhythm. But Surya, just like Rohit before him, knew that with Jasprit Bumrah in his arsenal, he could afford that risk. The fact was that Hardik found his mojo, Arshdeep was dependable and Axar delivered just when it mattered. All of it mattered in the end.With the defeat to South Africa, there were questions whether the philosophy was faulty. But Surya was adamant and stuck with an idea that he had seen working, both as a player and captain. The conviction had a lot to do with what he learnt from his predecessor Rohit.“In sports, wins and losses keep happening. Everybody works hard, sometimes, it works and sometimes it doesn’t. I have learnt this from Rohit that in life, being balanced is important. I have never seen his character change, through good or bad times,” Surya pointed out, in an emphatic hat-tip to his master.It is this clarity of thought that did the job for India the last time, and it is the same playbook that they fell back on now, to become undisputed kings of the T20 universe.

Veteran New Zealand fast bowler Lea Tahuhu has officially announced her retirement from ODI cricket, bringing an end to a remarkable chapter in her international career that spanned more than 15 years. The 35-year-old leaves the format as the White Ferns’ all-time leading wicket-taker in ODIs, having claimed 125 wickets in 103 matches at an impressive average of 28.01. Her departure marks the end of an era for New Zealand women’s cricket, with Tahuhu widely regarded as one of the most influential fast bowlers the team has produced.

A record-breaking ODI journey for Lea Tahuhu

Tahuhu’s journey in international cricket began in June 2011, when she made her ODI debut against Australia in Brisbane at just 20 years of age. From the very beginning, she stood out for her raw pace and aggressive style of bowling – qualities that are rare in women’s cricket. Over the years, she developed into the leader of New Zealand’s pace attack, consistently delivering match-changing spells with the ball.

Across more than a decade, Tahuhu became known for her ability to generate bounce, attack batters with pace, and deliver crucial breakthroughs when her team needed them the most. Her consistency eventually saw her rise to the top of New Zealand’s ODI bowling charts. By the time she decided to step away from the format, she had accumulated 125 wickets, the highest by any White Ferns bowler in ODI history, while maintaining a respectable economy rate of 4.54.

Her longevity and reliability also placed her among an elite group of cricketers. Tahuhu is one of only 12 players to represent the White Ferns in more than 100 ODI matches, highlighting her importance to the team over the years.

One of the defining moments of her career came in September 2021, when she recorded her maiden ODI five-wicket haul, finishing with 5/37 against England. The performance was particularly emotional as it came after she had returned to international cricket following a cancer scare, making the achievement even more meaningful.

Tahuhu also made her presence felt on the biggest stage in women’s cricket – the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup. She represented New Zealand in four editions of the tournament (2013, 2017, 2022, and 2025), collecting 36 wickets in World Cup matches. That tally stands as the highest by a New Zealand bowler in the competition and places her ninth on the overall list of World Cup wicket-takers.

Her outstanding performances did not go unnoticed. In 2023, Tahuhu was honoured with a place in the ICC Women’s ODI Team of the Year, a recognition of her continued impact in the format.

Tahuhu to focus on her T20 career

Tahuhu’s final ODI appearance came during the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup, where she played against England. Reflecting on her long journey in international cricket, the veteran pacer expressed heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to represent her country.

“It’s always been a privilege and honour to pull on the White Ferns shirt in ODI cricket,” Tahuhu said in a statement released by New Zealand Cricket. “To get one game was an amazing feeling. To have been able to wear the shirt and represent my country and my family over 100 times in ODI cricket is something I never could have dreamt of. I’ll treasure every moment and walk away from the ODI game incredibly proud of what I’ve been able to achieve in the format.”

While stepping away from ODI cricket, Tahuhu has made it clear that her international journey is not over just yet. She will continue to represent New Zealand in T20 internationals, with her focus now firmly on helping the team defend their T20 World Cup title in England later this year.

“Winning the T20 World Cup in 2024 was a huge achievement and I’m really motivated to be over in England later this year to help this team defend our title,” she affirmed.

Also READ: Australia hand Alyssa Healy a winning farewell with 10 wickets win over India in the one-off Test

New Zealand Cricket has already confirmed that Tahuhu will remain part of the squad for the upcoming T20I series against South Africa, scheduled to begin on March 15.

White Ferns head coach Ben Sawyer also paid tribute to the veteran pacer, praising her consistency and leadership over the years.

“Lea has operated at the top of the women’s ODI game for 15 years, which is a huge achievement for a pace bowler,” Sawyer said. “Lea’s pace has always been a strength, but her competitiveness and drive to push this team forward has stood out and that has rubbed off on the younger bowlers who are now coming through and learning their craft in the ODI game.”

He added that finishing her ODI career as New Zealand’s leading wicket-taker is an achievement she should be “very proud of.”

Off the field, Tahuhu shares a special connection with New Zealand cricket as well. She is married to former White Ferns captain Amy Satterthwaite, and the couple welcomed their daughter in January 2020.

Also READ: ICC Women’s ODI Rankings – Smriti Mandhana and Alana King claim the top spots

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.