England head coach Brendon McCullum has highlighted a couple of crucial moments as the defining factor behind his side’s narrow defeat to India in the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final. In a thrilling contest at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, England came agonisingly close to chasing down a massive 254-run target but eventually fell short by just seven runs. While England’s batters fought hard till the end, McCullum reckoned India’s brilliance in the field swung the momentum firmly in the hosts’ favour.

Brendon McCullum on the turning point behind England’s loss against India

Reflecting on the match after England’s exit from the tournament, McCullum admitted that two outstanding catches by Axar Patel played a major role in shaping the outcome of the high-scoring encounter. According to the England coach, fielding under pressure at Wankhede is extremely challenging due to the pace of the outfield and the way the ball travels off the bat. However, India managed to hold their nerve at critical moments, something McCullum felt ultimately separated the two sides.

Notably, Axar’s first moment of brilliance came early in England’s chase when he completed a spectacular backward-running catch to dismiss Harry Brook in the fifth over. The England batter, known for his aggressive stroke play, had looked threatening before departing for just seven runs.

The Indian all-rounder later played another pivotal role near the boundary rope when he combined with Shivam Dube to remove Will Jacks. The pair executed a perfectly timed relay-style effort that resulted in Will Jacks being dismissed for 35 off just 20 deliveries. Both wickets came at crucial phases of the chase and forced England to constantly rebuild their innings rather than sustain momentum.

“I’ll probably look more at their two catches, to be honest. I think it is not an easy ground to field with the ball sailing everywhere. To be able to stay in the contest, the Indian players were able to execute those catches. Axar executing those catches, it was the difference in the game. In the big moments, they stood up. Their fielding hasn’t been great, so to execute it tonight was disappointing from our point of view, but fair play to them,” McCullum told Sky Sports Cricket.

Also WATCH: T20 World Cup 2026 – MS Dhoni’s priceless reaction to wife Sakshi’s early celebration during IND vs ENG semi-final goes viral

McCullum on another missed opportunity by English side

McCullum also pointed to a missed opportunity that proved extremely expensive for England. During India’s innings, Brook dropped a straightforward catch when Sanju Samson was batting on just 15. That mistake allowed the Indian wicketkeeper-batter to continue his assault. Samson made England pay heavily by smashing 89 runs off just 42 balls, an innings that laid the foundation for India’s imposing total.

McCullum admitted that once Samson found his rhythm, it became extremely difficult for England to regain control of the match. He noted that the bowlers struggled to adjust their lengths on the batting-friendly Wankhede pitch, where even slightly short deliveries can be punished.

“We put the chance down, and he was able to capitalise on it from there. We wanted to try and bowl a touch fuller. Sometimes here at the Wankhede, what feels like a good length is too short because of the extra bounce. We weren’t able to execute, and when you’ve got a player as powerful as Sanju, he’s able to capitalise on it, and he put us under pressure. It is hard to regain that composure when you’ve got a player who’s going like that,” added McCullum.

Also READ: Harry Brook reveals key reason behind England’s defeat in the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final against India

India’s mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy has endured a challenging phase in the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with his performances drawing intense scrutiny from fans and experts alike. After being one of the most talked-about bowlers heading into the tournament, the spinner has struggled to maintain his control and deception in recent matches. Following India’s high-pressure semi-final clash against England, veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin shared his thoughts on what Varun needs to do to regain confidence and rediscover his bowling rhythm.

Varun Chakaravarthy’s dip in form raises concerns

Varun entered the global event as the world’s No.1 ranked T20 bowler, carrying enormous expectations. However, his performances have taken a downturn during the latter half of the competition. His struggles became most evident during the semi-final against England, where he endured a difficult outing.

The spinner conceded 64 runs in his four-over spell, with England batter Jacob Bethell taking him apart in a brutal assault. Bethell smashed 42 runs off just 13 deliveries from Varun, exposing some tactical flaws in the spinner’s approach.

Analysts believe one of the major issues has been the pace at which Varun is delivering the ball. By bowling quicker through the air, he has unintentionally reduced the effectiveness of his variations, allowing batters to pick his deliveries earlier.

Opposition teams, including South Africa, New Zealand and England, have adopted a clear tactic against him. Batters are planting their front foot early and hitting him straight down the ground — a method widely described as the “step-hit.” This aggressive approach has allowed teams to dominate his overs, especially during the Super 8 stage of the tournament.

Rising pressure and a loss of rhythm

Another factor contributing to Varun’s struggles is the psychological pressure of expectations. Being labelled as the tournament’s leading spinner placed him under the spotlight from the very beginning.

Once he started leaking runs, the pressure appeared to affect his bowling rhythm. Instead of sticking to his usual stump-to-stump line, Varun began experimenting with wider deliveries or balls drifting towards the pads. This deviation from his strengths has significantly hurt his effectiveness.

Since the Super 8 stage, his economy rate has climbed sharply to 11.62 — a worrying figure for a bowler known for his control in the shortest format.

Also READ: Brendon McCullum reveals ‘defining factor’ behind England’s narrow defeat to India in T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final

Ravichandran Ashwin’s key advice for the struggling spinner

Former India off-spinner Ashwin believes Varun’s situation is not unusual and can be corrected with awareness and tactical adjustments. According to Ashwin, learning to adapt during tough phases is one of the most important lessons for any spinner.

Ashwin explained that bowlers need to understand when to slow the game down and rethink their approach rather than rushing through overs.

“I used to bowl a lot of deliveries quickly. But if I felt I needed a pause, I would take it. This is about awareness. The toughest thing is adapting and responding to tough situations. Every day will not be good, and bad days will keep coming,” Ashwin said.

He added that Varun is currently experiencing a new challenge in his career and that the conversations around him — from teammates, coaches and support staff — will play a crucial role in helping him recover. Ashwin also emphasised that Varun must now evolve beyond relying solely on his mystery factor.

“Till now, he has relied on people not picking him. From now on, he has to rely on the finer aspects of spin bowling. This is a challenge and a journey,” he added.

Will India replace Varun in the final?

With India preparing for the T20 World Cup 2026 final, discussions have emerged about whether Kuldeep Yadav could replace Varun in the playing XI. However, Ashwin believes such a change is unlikely despite the debate.

“Can Kuldeep come in for Varun? I think they will think about it, but it won’t happen. They might think a lot about this. But I hope it does not happen, and I don’t think so too,” Ashwin concluded.

As India gear up for the tournament’s biggest match, all eyes will be on whether Varun can bounce back and deliver when it matters the most.

Also WATCH: T20 World Cup 2026 – Axar Patel plucks a jaw-dropping catch to dismiss Harry Brook in IND vs ENG semi-final

Sanju Samson‘s dream run in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 continues to grab headlines, not just for his explosive batting but also for his refreshing honesty off the field. After delivering two sensational knocks that powered India into the final, the wicketkeeper-batter produced a humorous yet thoughtful response during the post-match press conference when a reporter asked him about narrowly missing out on two centuries in the tournament.

Sanju Samson’s dazzling knock in the Super 8 clash against West Indies

Samson first lit up the tournament during India’s high-pressure Super 8 encounter against West Indies on March 1 at Eden Gardens. The match was virtually a knockout fixture for both sides, with India chasing a daunting target of 196.

In what many fans have already called one of the finest innings of his career, Samson remained unbeaten on 97 off just 50 balls. His innings was a perfect blend of aggression and control, featuring 12 boundaries and four towering sixes.

The knock not only guided India to a memorable victory but also etched Samson’s name into the record books. His 97 became the highest individual score by an Indian batter in a successful T20 World Cup run chase, surpassing Virat Kohli’s previous record.

While the century remained elusive, the impact of the innings was undeniable as Samson carried India home with calm authority under pressure.

Samson’s match-winning fireworks in the semi-final against England

Just four days later, Samson once again proved why he is enjoying the form of his life. In the semi-final against England on March 5 at the Wankhede Stadium, the right-hander delivered another blistering performance.

Samson smashed 89 off only 42 deliveries, maintaining a staggering strike rate of 211.90. His innings included eight fours and seven sixes as he dominated England’s bowling attack from the outset.

The knock helped India post a massive total of 253/7, the highest score in a T20 World Cup knockout match. England fought valiantly in the chase but eventually fell short as India secured a thrilling seven-run victory to book their place in the final.

Samson’s 89 also equalled Kohli’s record for the highest score by an Indian batter in a T20 World Cup knockout match, previously set against West Indies in the 2016 semi-final. During the innings, Samson also broke Rohit Sharma’s record for the most sixes by an Indian in a single T20 World Cup edition. With 16 sixes in just four innings, he has been one of the most destructive batters of the tournament. For his stunning performance, Samson received his second consecutive Player of the Match award.

Also WATCH: T20 World Cup 2026 – Axar Patel plucks a jaw-dropping catch to dismiss Harry Brook in IND vs ENG semi-final

Samson’s humorous take on the ‘missed centuries’ debate

Despite his heroic performances, fans and analysts pointed out that Samson had narrowly missed two centuries in the tournament. A reporter echoed the same sentiment during the post-match press conference following the win over England. Samson, however, handled the question with a mix of humour and perspective.

“Bhai, I did not miss two centuries. I have made 97 and 89 – it is a very big thing,” Samson said with a smile.

Reflecting on his journey, he also acknowledged how fortune sometimes plays a role in a cricketer’s career.

“I have been unlucky in the past at times, but sometimes luck also works in your favour once in a while. I was very fortunate that I got this opportunity, so let me grasp it now,” he added.

With India now just one step away from the title, Samson’s fearless batting and grounded mindset have made him one of the biggest stories of the T20 World Cup 2026.

Also READ: Fans go wild as Sanju Samson’s blazing knock powers India into T20 World Cup 2026 final after thrilling win over England

The stage is set for a thrilling finale in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 as India and New Zealand prepare to battle for the coveted title on March 8 at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Both teams have fought hard throughout the tournament and now stand just one step away from lifting the trophy.

India booked their place in the summit clash after edging past England in a nail-biting semifinal at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The high-scoring encounter saw the hosts hold their nerve in the closing stages to secure a narrow victory and keep their title hopes alive in front of a passionate home crowd.

New Zealand, meanwhile, have showcased their trademark discipline and composure to reach the final. The Black Caps once again demonstrated why they are regarded as one of the most consistent teams in global tournaments, producing a string of spirited performances against South Africa in the first semi-final to earn a spot in the championship match.

With the final set to be played in front of a packed crowd in Ahmedabad, fans can expect an electrifying contest between two well-balanced sides determined to etch their name in T20 World Cup history.

Brad Haddin picks the winner of T20 World Cup 2026 final

Former Australia wicketkeeper Brad Haddin believes New Zealand have the ability to upset India in the final despite the hosts enjoying home advantage. Speaking on the Willow Talk Cricket Podcast, Haddin pointed out that the Black Caps possess the mindset and fearless approach required to handle the pressure of a big occasion in India.

Haddin highlighted the threat posed by New Zealand opener Finn Allen, who has the ability to single-handedly change the course of a match with his aggressive batting at the top of the order.

“If he (Finn Allen) gets going in the final, he is one player who can ruin India’s party on their home soil. If I was India coming into the tournament, the one team I wouldn’t have wanted to play in the final is New Zealand,” Haddin said.

The former Australian cricketer also stressed that New Zealand’s previous success in India could give them the confidence to challenge the hosts in the final.

“New Zealand don’t fear India in home conditions. They’ve beaten them in a Test series here. So if they can go in with that mindset and Finn Allen can play with that freedom as he has, they can put some real pressure on India. I am going with New Zealand,” he added.

Also READ: Fans go wild as Sanju Samson’s blazing knock powers India into T20 World Cup 2026 final after thrilling win over England

Star-studded sides ready to light up Ahmedabad

Both India and New Zealand boast squads packed with match-winners, setting the stage for a fascinating battle in Ahmedabad.

India will rely on the explosive batting of Sanju Samson, captain Suryakumar Yadav, and Ishan Kishan to provide a strong foundation at the top of the order. The middle order also carries significant firepower with Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube capable of accelerating the scoring in the death overs.

Young talents like Tilak Varma and all-rounder Axar Patel further strengthen India’s lineup, while pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah remains a key figure with the ball, particularly in pressure situations.

New Zealand, on the other hand, have their own set of game-changers. Allen’s attacking approach in the powerplay can put bowlers under immediate pressure, while Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell provide stability and versatility in the batting unit.

The Black Caps also possess dynamic finishers like Glenn Phillips and experienced campaigners such as Mitchell Santner, who bring balance with both bat and ball.

Also WATCH: T20 World Cup 2026 – MS Dhoni’s priceless reaction to wife Sakshi’s early celebration during IND vs ENG semi-final goes viral

West Indies have found themselves in an unusual situation after their campaign ended in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Several players and support staff remain stuck in India due to major flight disruptions caused by escalating tensions in the Middle East. Amid the uncertainty, left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein lightened the mood with a humorous social media post in which he jokingly asked football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo to ‘rescue’ him.

Star spinner’s humorous plea goes viral

With travel plans uncertain and the team waiting for updates, Hosein took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express his frustration in a light-hearted way. In his post, the spinner jokingly tagged Portuguese football icon Ronaldo and wrote that he might be “better off asking” the global star to come and rescue him.

The message quickly grabbed attention among fans, who found humor in the situation despite the circumstances surrounding the team’s delayed return.

“At this point, Im better off asking @Cristiano to send the 🛫 and come rescue me yes..” wrote Hosein on X.

At this point, Im better off asking @Cristiano to send the 🛫 and come rescue me yes.. 😕

— Akeal Hosein (@AHosein21) March 6, 2026

Notably, West Indies squad had remained in India for several days after their elimination from the T20 World Cup, with multiple international flights affected by regional airspace restrictions. Those restrictions were triggered by escalating military tensions in the Middle East, forcing airlines to cancel or reroute flights that usually pass through Gulf transit hubs.

Not to mention, West Indies head coach Daren Sammy had earlier expressed genuine frustration over the lack of clarity regarding the team’s travel arrangements. Sammy wrote on social media that he simply wanted to return home after days of waiting in India. In another post, he asked authorities for at least an update on when the squad would be able to depart.

Also READ: Brendon McCullum reveals ‘defining factor’ behind England’s narrow defeat to India in T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final

A promising campaign that ended in heartbreak

Before the travel chaos unfolded, the West Indies had produced an exciting campaign in the T20 World Cup 2026. The Caribbean side dominated the group stage with four consecutive victories, including a strong win over England.

They carried that momentum into the Super Eight stage and even posted one of the highest totals in tournament history with 254/6 against Zimbabwe. Shimron Hetmyer was among the standout performers, smashing a record number of sixes during the tournament.

However, the Windies’ dream of a third T20 World Cup title came to an end in a tense Super Eight clash against co-hosts India at Eden Gardens. Despite posting a competitive 195/4, they lost by five wickets with just four balls remaining.

Also READ: Fans go wild as Sanju Samson’s blazing knock powers India into T20 World Cup 2026 final after thrilling win over England

Bangladesh have unveiled a strong 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Pakistan, set to take place in Dhaka starting March 11. The squad features a notable comeback for all-rounder Afif Hossain, who returns to the ODI setup after more than a year on the sidelines. Led by Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Bangladesh will look to make the most of home conditions when they face Pakistan in what promises to be a competitive bilateral contest.

Afif Hossain makes long-awaited return to ODI setup

The biggest talking point from the squad announcement is the return of Afif, who last represented Bangladesh in ODIs in December 2024. The left-handed batter and handy off-spin option had been out of the national setup for a considerable period but has now earned another opportunity following consistent performances in domestic cricket.

Afif’s inclusion strengthens Bangladesh’s middle order, giving the team more flexibility with both bat and ball. Known for his ability to accelerate the scoring rate during the middle overs, the 25-year-old could play a key role against Pakistan’s bowling attack.

Core batting unit retained despite form concerns

Bangladesh have largely retained their core batting group from their previous ODI assignment against West Indies in October 2025. Litton Das, who has struggled to produce big scores in the format recently, has still been backed by the selectors. The team management appears to have shown faith in the experienced opener’s ability to rediscover his rhythm.

Najmul Hossain Shanto and Tawhid Hridoy remain vital components of the batting lineup, while Soumya Sarkar and Saif Hassan provide additional options at the top of the order. Young opener Tanzid Hasan also keeps his place as Bangladesh continue to invest in emerging talent.

Mahidul Islam Bhuiyan has also retained his spot from the previous squad, signaling the selectors’ intention to maintain stability in the middle-order setup.

Injury setbacks rule out key players

Bangladesh will, however, be without a few players due to injuries and selection decisions. Fast bowler Hasan Mahmud is currently recovering from a tennis elbow issue, while Tanzim Hasan Sakib remains sidelined with a back injury. Both players are expected to regain full fitness by the end of the month.

Meanwhile, Nurul Hasan, Jaker Ali Anik and Shamim Hossain have not been included in the squad. Their absence opens the door for others to step up and make an impact during the series.

Also READ: Fakhar Zaman to miss Pakistan’s ODI tour of Bangladesh – here’s the reason

Bowling attack led by Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman

Bangladesh’s pace attack will be spearheaded by Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman, two of the side’s most experienced bowlers in the format. They will be supported by Shoriful Islam and rising pacer Nahid Rana, providing the hosts with multiple seam options.

Spin will continue to be a key weapon on Dhaka’s slow surfaces. Captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz will lead the spin department alongside Rishad Hossain and Tanvir Islam, giving Bangladesh a balanced bowling unit suited to home conditions.

All three matches of the ODI series will be played at the Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka. The opening game will take place on March 11, followed by the second ODI on March 13 and the final match on March 15.

Bangladesh ODI squad for Pakistan series: Mehidy Hasan Miraz (captain), Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Tawhid Hridoy, Litton Das, Afif Hossain, Mahidul Islam Bhuiyan, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Nahid Rana.

Also READ: Bangladesh Cricket Board unveils central contracts for the 2026 season

Australia Women made a dream start to the one-off Test against India Women after opting to bowl first, with pace sensation Darcie Brown producing a stunning delivery to dismiss Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur on Day 1. The moment quickly became one of the highlights of the day as Brown’s brilliant piece of bowling dismantled the Indian skipper’s defence and further dented India’s fragile batting effort.

After winning the toss and choosing to field, Australia wasted little time in putting India under pressure. The visitors struggled to build partnerships as wickets fell at regular intervals, allowing the Australian bowlers to maintain control throughout the day.

Darcie Brown’s beauty sends Harmanpreet packing on Day 1 of only Test

The standout moment came in the 23rd over when Brown delivered a sensational ball to dismiss Harmanpreet.

Looking to shift the momentum in India’s favour, Harmanpreet attempted an attacking drive on the fifth ball of the over. However, Brown produced a delivery of the highest quality. The ball pitched outside off stump and jagged sharply back into the right-hander, exploiting a gap between bat and pad.

The sudden inward movement completely deceived Harmanpreet as her bat came down too late. The ball sneaked through the gap and crashed into the off-stump, leaving the Indian captain stunned as the Australian players celebrated another crucial breakthrough.

The dismissal was a perfect example of Brown’s pace and ability to extract movement off the surface, highlighting why she is regarded as one of Australia’s most dangerous fast bowlers in the women’s game.

Here’s the video:

THROUGH THE GATE.

Darcie Brown gets one to nip back and bowl Harmanpreet!#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/BmHVc52FjM

— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) March 6, 2026

Also READ: Australia vs India, Women’s one-off Test: Schedule, Team News, Broadcast and Live Streaming Details

Jemimah Rodrigues provides resistance with gritty fifty

While India’s batting lineup struggled for stability, Jemimah Rodrigues stood out with a determined effort in the middle. Showing patience and composure, Rodrigues anchored the innings during a difficult phase and stitched together valuable runs with the lower order.

The stylish right-hander brought up a crucial half-century, scoring 52 runs, helping India cross the 180-run mark despite losing eight wickets. Rodrigues’ innings featured a blend of calculated strokeplay and solid defence, offering India a fighting chance after early setbacks.

Lucy Hamilton and Annabel Sutherland lead Australia’s bowling charge

Australia’s bowlers dominated proceedings throughout the day with impressive discipline and sharp execution.

Debutant Lucy Hamilton enjoyed a memorable outing, picking up three wickets and making an immediate impact in her maiden Test appearance. Her ability to maintain consistent lines troubled the Indian batters and played a key role in keeping the scoring rate under control.

Experienced all-rounder Annabel Sutherland also played a major role with the ball, claiming three wickets and continuing to prove her value as one of Australia’s most reliable performers in the longer format.

Also READ: Top 5 wicket-keeper batters with most runs in women’s international cricket ft. Alyssa Healy

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

Former India captain MS Dhoni once again proved why his composure is admired by millions, even when he is off the field. During the India vs England semi-final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, Dhoni produced a hilarious reaction to his wife Sakshi Dhoni’s premature celebration, and the moment quickly went viral across social media.

While the game itself turned out to be a nail-biting contest, Dhoni’s humorous gesture in the stands became one of the most talked-about highlights of the night.

Sakshi Dhoni celebrates too early in the stands

The incident took place during England’s tense run chase after India had posted a massive 253/7 in their 20 overs. In the 18th over, a dramatic moment unfolded when Jasprit Bumrah appeared to take a catch off his own bowling.

From the stands, Sakshi thought England batter Sam Curran had been dismissed. Convinced the wicket had fallen, she immediately began celebrating enthusiastically along with fans nearby.

However, replays quickly showed that the ball had bounced before reaching Bumrah, meaning Curran was not out and the game continued. Sakshi’s early celebration instantly caught the attention of people seated around her, including her husband Dhoni.

MS Dhoni’s hilarious response goes viral

Known for his cool-headed nature on the cricket field throughout his career, Dhoni displayed the same calm demeanor in the stands.

As Sakshi continued celebrating, Dhoni gently gestured toward her with a playful expression, indicating that the catch had not been taken cleanly and the batter was still safe. His subtle but humorous reaction had spectators smiling and soon became a trending moment online.

Fans quickly shared clips of the interaction across social media platforms, praising Dhoni’s trademark composure and lighthearted response.

Here’s the video:

Bumrah took the catch off a bump ball. Sakshi thought the ball was out and started jumping.

Dhoni told her to calm down. What a fun moment, brother 😂❤️#T20WC2026 #INDvsENG #MSDhoni pic.twitter.com/BMRIBUnQAT

— Sunil Singh (@SunilSingh_0007) March 6, 2026

Also WATCH: T20 World Cup 2026 – Axar Patel plucks a jaw-dropping catch to dismiss Harry Brook in IND vs ENG semi-final

India beat England to secure final berth

India booked their place in the T20 World Cup 2026 final after defeating England by seven runs in a thrilling semi-final at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Batting first, India posted a formidable 253/7 in 20 overs, powered by a brilliant 89 off 42 balls from Sanju Samson and a quickfire 43 from 25 deliveries by Shivam Dube, which put England under immediate pressure.

In response, England mounted a strong fightback through Jacob Bethell, who smashed an impressive 105 off 48 balls, keeping the chase alive deep into the innings. However, India’s bowlers held their nerve in the final overs to restrict England to 246/7, sealing a narrow victory and securing a spot in the final against New Zealand, scheduled for March 8 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Also READ: Harry Brook reveals key reason behind England’s defeat in the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final against India

Wedding celebrations lit up Mumbai as Arjun Tendulkar, the son of legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, married Saaniya Chandhok in a lavish ceremony on March 5. The high-profile wedding turned into a memorable gathering of prominent personalities from the worlds of cricket, entertainment and business, as close friends and family came together to celebrate the couple’s special day.

A joyful occasion for the Tendulkar family

The wedding ceremony took place at an exclusive venue in south Mumbai and was attended by a host of distinguished guests. The celebrations marked a major milestone for the Tendulkar family, with the event reflecting both elegance and warmth as loved ones gathered to bless the newlyweds.

Arjun and Saaniya had announced their engagement on August 25 last year, setting the stage for months of anticipation among family members and well-wishers. Since then, a series of pre-wedding festivities had taken place, building excitement ahead of the grand ceremony.

The wedding itself was an intimate yet glamorous affair, with carefully planned arrangements and heartfelt moments shared between the couple and their guests.

Cricket legends gather to celebrate the big day

Unsurprisingly, the wedding saw the presence of several stalwarts of Indian cricket, many of whom have shared long-standing relationships with the Tendulkar family.

Legendary opener Sunil Gavaskar attended the ceremony with his wife Marshneil Gavaskar. Former India head coach Rahul Dravid, former captain Anil Kumble and former India coach Ravi Shastri were also among the distinguished cricket personalities present at the venue.

Former India captain MS Dhoni arrived alongside his wife Sakshi Dhoni, attracting considerable attention from guests and fans alike. India head coach Gautam Gambhir was also spotted at the ceremony with his wife Natasha Jain. Gambhir made time to attend the celebrations before India’s crucial T20 World Cup semi-final clash against England later in the evening.

World Cup-winning all-rounder Yuvraj Singh attended the wedding with his wife Hazel Keech, while brothers Irfan Pathan and Yusuf Pathan were also present.

Several other former Indian cricketers added to the star-studded guest list. Virender Sehwag, Suresh Raina with his wife Priyanka Chaudhary, and commentator Aakash Chopra with his wife Aakshi Mathur were seen arriving at the venue.

Former India pacer Zaheer Khan attended with his wife Sagarika Ghatge, while spinner Harbhajan Singh was present with his wife Geeta Basra. Former wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel arrived with his wife Avni Zaveri, and pacer Dhawal Kulkarni also joined the celebrations.

Young cricketer Prithvi Shaw was among the players who came to congratulate the couple on their special day. Similarly, star batter Shreyas Iyer was also present in the ceremony.

Also WATCH: T20 World Cup 2026 – Gautam Gambhir makes appearance at Arjun Tendulkar’s wedding

Guests from entertainment, politics and business

The celebrations extended well beyond the cricketing fraternity. Bollywood star Abhishek Bachchan attended the ceremony along with his wife Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and family members, adding a strong presence from the film industry.

Filmmaker and actor Ashutosh Gowariker arrived with his wife Sunita Gowariker, while Maharashtra minister Ashish Shelar was also among the notable guests.

From the world of cricket administration, ICC chairman Jay Shah and India’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar attended the ceremony as well. Business leaders Mukesh Ambani and Nita Ambani were closely associated with the celebrations and were also expected to attend the event in Mumbai.

Also WATCH: Sachin Tendulkar turns emotional for son Arjun at pre-wedding bash with Saaniya Chandhok in Jamnagar

India booked their place in the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after defeating England by seven runs in a dramatic semi-final at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The contest turned into a high-scoring spectacle as India piled up a mammoth 253/7, the highest total ever recorded in a knockout match in the history of the tournament.

Explosive knocks from Sanju Samson, along with powerful finishing contributions from Shivam Dube and Hardik Pandya, powered India to the massive total. England responded with equal aggression, led by a sensational century from Jacob Bethell, but ultimately fell short, finishing at 246/7. Jasprit Bumrah’s calm execution in the death overs proved decisive as India sealed their place in the final.

Harry Brook opens up on the main reason of England’s defeat

Following the match, England captain Harry Brook reflected on the turning point of the game and openly admitted that a costly fielding error from his side played a significant role in the defeat. Brook candidly acknowledged that dropping Samson early in the innings proved to be a crucial moment that shifted momentum in India’s favour. The England skipper said the missed opportunity haunted him throughout the match as the Indian wicketkeeper-batter went on to punish England’s bowling attack.

“I’ll hold my hands up and say that I made a big mistake dropping Samson. Catches win matches, don’t they? Unfortunately, it just didn’t stay in my hands,” Brook said during the post-match presentation.

At the time of the incident, Samson had just begun to settle at the crease. After scoring 15 runs from his first six deliveries, he attempted a lofted shot that went straight towards mid-on. It was a straightforward chance by international standards, but Brook misjudged the ball slightly and failed to complete the catch. That moment proved costly for England as Samson capitalised on the lifeline and launched a blistering counterattack.

Sanju Samson makes England pay for missed opportunity

After surviving the early scare, Samson shifted gears and dominated the middle overs with fearless stroke play. The right-hander went on to score a brilliant 89, smashing boundaries and sixes with ease to put England under enormous pressure.

The dropped chance allowed Samson to add another 74 runs off just 35 deliveries, accelerating India’s innings and pushing them towards a daunting total of 253. England finally managed to dismiss him when Phil Salt held onto a high catch at deep cover off Will Jacks‘ bowling. Brook admitted that the mistake stayed in his mind throughout the game, especially as Samson continued to pile up runs.

“Obviously it’s in the back of your mind. I kept looking at the scoreboard and he was piling the runs on. I was thinking I might have to score 89 tonight to make up for it,” Brook added.

Also WATCH: T20 World Cup 2026 – Axar Patel plucks a jaw-dropping catch to dismiss Harry Brook in IND vs ENG semi-final

Axar Patel’s stunning catch sums up fielding difference

While Brook’s dropped catch hurt England early in the game, India showcased exceptional fielding under pressure. One of the standout moments came when Axar Patel produced a sensational diving catch to dismiss Brook himself.

The England captain tried to clear the infield against Bumrah’s slower delivery but miscued the shot. Axar sprinted nearly 24 metres before diving full stretch to complete a stunning catch, highlighting the difference in fielding standards between the two teams on the night.

Brook’s innings ended quickly for just seven runs, leaving England with a steep chase that proved just beyond their reach despite Jacob Bethell‘s heroic century.

With the thrilling victory, India advanced to the final of the T20 World Cup 2026, where they will face New Zealand. The title clash is scheduled to take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, March 8.

Also READ: Fans go wild as Sanju Samson’s blazing knock powers India into T20 World Cup 2026 final after thrilling win over England