Sanju Samson, India’s T20 World Cup hero, cited the importance of winning the game for India with an impactful innings, which mattered more than his personal milestones of getting three centuries in the World Cup games.

Times change, and new players make new contributions for teams; however, the legends who made consistent efforts to guide them to victory on a number of occasions, their radiance, and their excellence remain unaffected.

The Indian team has undergone a massive transition between the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2026 T20 World Cup, but one thing that remained constant was India’s unaffected legacy in the ICC tournament. Newer players, newer roles, but the tricolour waved above all at the end of the ICC event.

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Sanju Samson clears India’s priorities in the Suryakumar-Gambhir era

Having arrived at the India Today Conclave 2026, World Cup champions Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson spoke on India’s approach to the game under Captain Suryakumar Yadav and head coach Gautam Gambhir.

Vikrant Gupta went on to ask Sanju Samson, “Not the culture, but the concept of Indian cricket, that personal milestones are good and very important, but they are not the ‘be all, end all.’

“For example, he said, Sanju could have scored three centuries; he couldn’t. Maybe someone else played those six balls and scored another 26 runs. So is there really a conscious effort, or do we hear all these things only after a World Cup win?”

Sanju Samson could not shy away from answering this, as he said that ever since Gautam Gambhir and Suryakumar Yadav took over the Indian team, the importance of personal milestones was sidelined, and what remained the centre page of the Indian system was winning it for the team.

“No, Paaji, it’s very true; I think Abhi will agree with me. This is the constant conversation and the points we have written down in team meetings. Right from the Sri Lanka series, where Surya and Gautam Bhai were the leaders of the Indian team. Right from that moment, it was very clear that there were no personal milestones.

“So, that’s how we all adapted, and our character got aligned to the team’s starting point. Definitely, there is a conscious effort,” he added.

I absolutely contributed really well- Sanju Samson

Sanju Samson entered the game against the West Indies, which was the final game of India’s Super-8 campaign, with just around 50 runs in the T20 World Cup, but the world was not ready for witnessing one of India’s most memorable batting performances in the World Cup from then on.

Breaking records, Sanju scored a heroic 97* to guide India through to the semi-finals of the ICC T20 World Cup. In the semis, he scored another 89 runs and hammered India home to a massive 250+ total, and then followed the same in the final to produce another Samson’s special 89 to wind up the World Cup for the defending champions.

However, many opined that Samson missed out on three of his well-deserved centuries in the T20 World Cup. To this, Sanju Samson said, “Three hundred, which people say I missed out on. I feel a huge lot of work was done; I think I absolutely contributed really well.”

“Winning the game was more important than my three centuries”

– Sanju on missing out on three hundreds

Direct attack on that one guy 😂🔥 pic.twitter.com/RwFNVonYPZ

— ` (@WorshipDhoni) March 14, 2026

Who has the most runs for India in winning causes in the ICC T20 World Cup?

Now, many have cited the words from the Indian World Cup winner as an attack on Virat Kohli, the former World Cup winner who, according to many, cited personal milestones more than leading his team to victory.

Speaking of Virat’s legacy, the chasemaster is India’s most successful batter across ICC tournaments, with the most runs coming off during chases. Speaking of the T20 World Cups, Kohli retired in 2024 with 809 runs in 19 innings, the most for India during a winning cause for the team.

Rohit follows him in the list with 702 runs. Rohit Sharma was the architect behind selfless shotmaking in India. As the captain, he took charge and smashed the bowlers early on, not caring about personal milestones, in the 2023 World Cup and the 2024 T20 World Cup.

ALSO READ: NOT Gautam Gambhir, Tilak Varma reveals the real architect behind his World Cup redemption

Indian Navy warships deployed in the Gulf region as part of the continuing Operation Sankalp are keeping a constant vigil on India-bound cargo vessels in the Strait of Hormuz area.“A warship deployed in that region (off the Oman coast) is still monitoring the situation and keeping a close watch on India-bound cargo ships,” a source confirmed to TOI.

Under the watchful eyes of the Indian Navy, two Indian-flagged LPG tankers belonging to Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), Shivalik and Nanda Devi, have successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz and are now bound for India. Another Indian-flagged oil tanker, Jag Prakash, which is carrying gasoline from Oman to Africa, has also set sail from east of the Strait of Hormuz.As per an agency report that quoted govt sources, Shivalik is being escorted by the Indian Navy.

On June 19, 2019, the Indian Navy had commenced maritime security operations, called ‘Operation Sankalp’, in the Gulf region to ensure safe passage of Indian flag vessels transiting through the Strait of Hormuz. This was done in close coordination with all stakeholders, including ministries of defence, external affairs, shipping, petroleum and natural gas, and DG Shipping. The Navy had then deployed a total of 23 warships in rotation to the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf. Some of these warships are still deployed in the Gulf region.The naval deployment is significant amid increased regional tensions across the wider Gulf region, with as many as 23,000 Indian seafarers employed on different types of vessels, including merchant ships, and offshore installations, and 24 vessels near the Strait of Hormuz.Iranian ambassador to India Mohammad Fathali indicated on Friday that India could soon get safe passage (for its vessels) through the Strait of Hormuz.Meanwhile, the Indian Naval Sail Training Ship INS Sudarshini has arrived at the historic port of Valletta, Malta, marking a significant milestone in her landmark transoceanic expedition Lokayan-26, according to a defence ministry statement. The ship arrived in Valletta on Mar 12, underscoring the deep-rooted maritime ties between India and Malta. This visit represents an important leg of the ship’s ambitious 22,000-nautical-mile global voyage. The arrival follows its successful transit through the Suez Canal and a recent port call at Alexandria. INS Sudarshini is currently in the second month of her voyage, which commenced at Kochi on Jan 20.

Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif slammed Mehidy Hasan Miraz after a controversial run-out involving Salman Ali Agha during the second ODI between Bangladesh and Pakistan at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka on Friday.The unusual dismissal sparked a major debate on social media, with Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz facing criticism for what many termed an unsportsmanlike act. Former India batter Kaif was among those who strongly condemned the incident.

Slamming the act, Kaif said: “This is so not done. No desperation of getting wickets can justify this run out. That too from a captain. Youngsters please remember, even if the World Cup final is on the line never do what the Bangladesh skipper did. Sports without fair play is no sports.”

The incident took place in the 39th over of Pakistan’s innings when the visitors were rebuilding after losing three early wickets. Agha and Mohammad Rizwan had steadied the innings with a 109-run partnership for the fourth wicket.On the fourth ball of the over, bowled by Miraz, Rizwan gently pushed the delivery down the ground. The ball rolled towards Agha, who had backed up and was standing outside the crease at the non-striker’s end.As the ball struck his pads, Agha instinctively bent down, picked it up and attempted to hand it back. Miraz, however, quickly grabbed the ball and dislodged the bails with Agha still outside the crease before appealing for a run-out.The on-field umpire referred the decision to the third umpire after the appeal was made, and the replay confirmed the dismissal in Bangladesh’s favour.The decision left Agha visibly frustrated as he walked back to the pavilion, with television visuals showing the Pakistan batter expressing his displeasure after the call.The incident also triggered brief exchanges between players from both teams on the field. Rizwan was seen having a discussion with the Bangladesh players, while Litton Das defended the appeal made by Miraz.The rare run-out quickly became the biggest talking point of the match, dividing opinion among fans online. While many supported Agha and criticised the spirit of the dismissal, others argued that the Pakistan batter should have ensured he returned to his crease.Meanwhile, Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 274 in 47.3 overs, with Maaz Sadaqat top-scoring with 75. Having already lost the first ODI, Pakistan needed a victory in the second match to keep the series alive.

Former BCCI Secretary and the current ICC Chairman Jay Shah was pleased to be honoured for his contributions to the growth of Indian cricket. He called out the Indian team as an invincible side in ICC tournaments in recent times, linking them to Australia‘s earlier dominance in global events.

India’s recent winning streak in ICC events has been linked with the former tremendous patch of the mighty Aussies between the years 1999 and 2007, when they won three back-to-back ODI World Cups and Champions Trophies.

🚨JAY SHAH ON TEAM INDIA’S GROWTH SINCE 2019.🚨

“From 2019 to 2026, Team India achieved great success — 2 U-19 Men’s WC, 2 U-19 Women’s WC, WTC runner-up twice, ODI WC runner-up, back-to-back T20 WC titles, and the 2025 CT. Congratulations to everyone.”pic.twitter.com/7F6ZOiCVyV

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— Sam (@Cricsam01) March 14, 2026

India have also won the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 after having won the previous T20 World Cup in 2024 and the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025. They have been invincible in ICC events since 2023, after they lost the final to the Australians in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.

Just as there was a time when Australia meant victory, today, Team India means victory- Jay Shah

The Indian team became the first-ever team to have successfully defended their title in the history of the ICC T20 World Cup. They were also the first team to have won it on their home soil and the first team to win it for the third time.

Reflecting on India’s global dominance, the former BCCI Secretary said during one of the private award functions, “Just as there was a time when Australia meant victory, today, Team India means victory. That has become the reality now.”

He was honoured at the event for his exceptional contribution to sports in India; however, he dedicated it to the hard-working athletes of India. “I would like to dedicate this award to all the athletes, especially the women athletes who are working hard on the field,” Shah said.

Jay Shah congratulated all semi-finalists of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 as the ICC Chairman

He went on to congratulate the Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav and the head coach Gautam Gambhir for India’s triumph in the ICC T20 World Cup and also praised the other semi-finalists as the Chairman of the ICC.

“I want to congratulate Surya, Gautam Gambhir, and all the players of Team India. I also want to congratulate not just Team India but also the South African team and the England team, who did not lose a single game before the knockout stage.

“And finally, the finalists, the New Zealand cricket team, for the way they performed and worked hard on the field. Congratulations to them as well,” Shah said.

He also listed the total achievements of the Indian Men’s and Women’s cricket teams ever since he joined the BCCI in 2019. He pointed out India’s dominant run with double triumph in the Men’s and Women’s ICC U-19 World Cups.

The Women’s ODI World Cup, the ICC T20 Men’s World Cup, and the Champions Trophy, alongside the two closely fought WTC Finals and the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup.

Jay Shah motivated BCCI and the Indian players to work with the same zeal and passion

He then went on to reach out to the entire Indian team via Suryakumar and Gautam Gambhir and shared his experience as an administrator, where he has learned “that it takes months to go from the top to the bottom, but it takes years to go from the bottom to the top.”

He said that in the BCCI, he had kept everything planned until the 2028 Olympics, and now the new members should also plan, keeping the 2030 and 2032 games in mind, alongside the 2026 Olympics, which might be hosted by India.

“New people have come in my place at the BCCI. All of you together need to prepare for the 2030 and 2032 games, and you know where the 2036 Olympics will be held. So, prepare for that as well,” he advised.

ALSO READ: Sanju Samson takes an indirect swipe at Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma after T20 World Cup win

Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman (AFP Photo)

There have only been four instances when a team following on has won a Test match. That’s four out of roughly 2,500 Tests over 149 years.And yet, when one talks about the third such instance in the game’s history, it’s not only about statistics, not player profile, not centuries scored or wickets taken. It’s about ‘atonement’ trumping a sense of ‘guilt’.

It’s about a cocky determination taking a bull-run by the scruff of its neck, about a David telling a Goliath that “the last word shall never be said” .

It’s like a Marlow in Joseph Conrad’s ‘Lord Jim’, making a profound philosophical exposition on a will to triumph beyond ambiguity, limitations and the near-impossibility of reaching at a definitive conclusion ‘until the last ball is bowled’!To continue with the Conradian analogy, the Eden Gardens Test, was in more ways than one a battle between sympathy and judgment; self and the other.Seated in the Press Box on the uppermost tier of the BC Roy Club House for five days, the imageries just kept flowing in a stream of consciousness — with poetic justice unmistakably ensconced in the 171-run win, after being dismissed for that exact same total in the first innings!

It’s one match that remains firmly etched in memory — as much for the dramatis personae as it was for the drama: Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly infamously keeping his Aussie counterpart Steve Waugh waiting for the toss; and Waugh ‘reciprocating’ with an open offside field when the Bengal southpaw came in to bat.Given Ganguly’s penchant for off-side strokeplay, Waugh threw the gauntlet, daring him to play to his strengths, while reposing faith in his own credentials to stymie the enemy after 16 Test wins on the trot.Having suffered a 10-wicket defeat in Mumbai days ago, India were yet again staring down the wrong end of the barrel by the third afternoon at Eden Gardens.The bitter memories of the 1996 IndiaSri Lanka World Cup semifinal and 1999 India-Pakistan Test came rushing in — leaving one to wonder whether ‘Blood, Bottle, and Bisleri’ would once again rain on Golgotha (a news magazine’s headline for its cover story).On both those occasions, crowd trouble over an imminent Indian defeat had seen all hell break loose at the venerated Eden.But destiny had something else in store on the banks of the Hooghly in 2001.For once, instead of objects being hurled from the stands in frustration, Eden Gardens saw 80,000-strong fans banging their empty plastic water bottles in a calypso to egg-on Ganguly’s men who were in hot pursuit of an improbable win.For once, ‘redemption’ for the home fans and their team alike came through the heroics of two soft-spoken but never-say-die crusaders.When Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman traded their capes for India caps.That Dravid, who until then had a bad patch, didn’t show up at the postmatch press meet, went to serve as a perfect foil to an Indian captain exhort -ing the media to ask questions “only in English” to hat-trick man Harbhajan Singh, leaving the off-spinner at his wits’ end and scribes in splits.Minutes later, as a composed Waugh walked in for the presser, it was ‘calm of mind, all passion spent’.Cricketing justice at its cathartic best.