With this victory, India became the first team to defend their T20 World Cup title, having previously won the 2024 edition by defeating South Africa and reaching the semifinals in 2022 in Australia.
Among the squad, four players have been part of all three campaigns. Here’s a closer look:
- Hardik Pandya
The seasoned all-rounder featured in six matches in 2022, scoring 128 runs at a strike rate of 131.95 and claiming 8 wickets at 8.11 economy. Highlights included 63 off 33 in the semifinal vs England and 3-30 against Pakistan.
In 2024, Pandya played eight games, scoring 144 runs at 151.57 SR and taking 11 wickets at 7.64 economy. His best innings was 50* off 27 against Bangladesh in North Sound.
During the 2026 campaign, Pandya featured in nine matches, scoring 217 runs at a strike rate of 160.74 with two fifties, while claiming 9 wickets at 8.81 economy.
- Suryakumar Yadav
Suryakumar starred in 2022, scoring 239 runs at an average of 59.75 and a strike rate of 189.68, including three half-centuries. In 2024, he scored 199 runs at 135.37 SR across eight matches.
Leading India in 2026, Yadav amassed 242 runs in nine matches at 136.72 SR, beginning with a blazing 84* off 49 vs USA in Mumbai. He contributed three 30+ scores during the tournament but was dismissed for a golden duck in the final vs New Zealand.
- Axar Patel
Axar struggled in 2022, taking only 3 wickets in 5 matches at 8.62 economy.
He emerged as a key all-rounder in 2024, claiming 9 wickets at 7.86 economy and scoring crucial runs, including 47 off 31 in the final vs South Africa. He was Player of the Match in the semifinal with 3-23 vs England.
In 2026, as vice-captain, Axar starred with the ball, taking 11 wickets at 8.20 economy. He picked up 3-27 in the final vs New Zealand and was exceptional in the semifinal against England.
- Arshdeep Singh
The left-arm pacer took 10 wickets in 2022, including 3-32 vs Pakistan and 2-25 vs South Africa.
He played a crucial role in 2024, claiming 17 wickets at 7.16 economy, with standout performances like 4-9 vs USA and 2-20 in the final vs South Africa.
In 2026, Arshdeep picked up 9 wickets in eight matches at 8.46 economy, with his best figures being 3-24 vs Zimbabwe in Chennai during the Super 8 stage.
Combined Stats Over the Last Three T20 World Cups
Player Matches Runs SR HS Wickets Economy BBI
Hardik Pandya 23 489 149.54 63 28 8.26 3-20
Suryakumar Yadav 23 680 151.11 84* 20 11.7 –
Axar Patel 23 130 47 23 8 8.17 3-23
Arshdeep Singh 22 – 77.77 – 9 7.81 4-9
These four players have been pivotal in India’s sustained success in T20 World Cups, combining experience, consistency, and match-winning abilities to guide the Men in Blue to historic victories.
