Sent into bat, India posted a massive 255/5 in 20 overs, and New Zealand crumbled under pressure, bowled out for 159 in 19 overs. The victory also helped the Men in Blue overcome the heartbreak of losing the 2023 ODI World Cup final to Australia in Ahmedabad.
Here’s a look at Team India’s top five performers in the T20 World Cup 2026:
5 Shivam Dube
It was a close call between Shivam Dube and Hardik Pandya for the fifth spot, but Dube’s consistency and finishing ability earned him the nod.
Runs: 235 in 8 innings
Average: 39.16
Strike Rate: 169.06
Dube played crucial cameos under pressure, including 43 off 25 against England in the semifinal, 26 off 8* in the final to push India past 250, and 66 off 31 against the Netherlands during the group stage.
4 Axar Patel
The underrated vice-captain once again shone with the ball.
Wickets: 11 in 7 matches
Average: 18.63
Economy Rate: 8.20
Axar claimed key scalps in the final — dismissing Finn Allen, Glenn Phillips, and Daryl Mitchell for 3-27. His fielding in the semifinal against England was equally exceptional, proving his immense value to the team.
3 Ishan Kishan
After a brilliant comeback in the home series against New Zealand, Kishan carried his form into the World Cup.
Runs: 317 in 9 innings
Average: 35.22
Strike Rate: 193.29
50s: 3
Kishan adapted seamlessly whether opening or batting at No. 3, taking responsibility in the powerplay and delivering in the semifinal and final.
2 Jasprit Bumrah
India’s spearhead pacer was once again the team’s standout performer.
Wickets: 14 (joint-leading wicket-taker)
Average: 12.42
Economy Rate: 6.21
Bumrah controlled matches with his death overs brilliance, including 2 overs in the semifinal against England and 4-15 in the final versus New Zealand, making him nearly unplayable for opposition batters.
1 Sanju Samson
The T20 World Cup 2026 was a redemption story for Samson. Dropped after a poor home series, his return proved to be a masterstroke.
Matches Played: 5
Notable Innings: 97* vs West Indies, 89 in knockouts
Award: Player of the Tournament
Samson’s knock of 97 against the West Indies* guided India into the semifinals, and his subsequent innings in the knockouts cemented his Player of the Tournament status, despite limited appearances.
