India head coach Gautam Gambhir has spoken about the bold, attacking mindset that powered the team to a historic third title at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.
India retained the trophy with authority, thrashing New Zealand by 96 runs in the final in Ahmedabad on Sunday. The result extended Gambhir's remarkable run as coach, coming just months after he oversaw India's victory in the ICC Champions Trophy.
The triumph also placed Gautam Gambhir in the history books, making him the first individual to capture the ICC Men's T20 World Cup both as a player (2007) and as a head coach (2026). Speaking after the final, the former India opener outlined the central factor that fuelled the team's title run.
"...I always believe that high risk, high reward is the only way to play a T20 format, and you don't fear to lose a game of cricket to win a game of cricket," Gambhir said, according to ICC's official website.
"If you start fearing to lose a game of cricket, you will never win. And that's why, as I said earlier, my ideology with the captain was very simple. We will not play a match of 160-170. I would rather accept that we get all out at 100, but that 150-160 takes you nowhere.
"So if you play high risk, that's when you make 250 or 260 runs. And there will be days like that and it can come in the future. And they have come. We lost a match against South Africa by 100 runs - but that ideology never changed. That mindset never changed,” he added.
Also Read: In Pics: From SKY To Samson, How Indian Team Celebrated T20 World Cup Win
Gambhir underlined how he stuck to his guns despite the defeat to South Africa.
“I never thought, that now let's play a little subdued. Because after South Africa, all our matches were must-win matches. All were knockout matches. But despite that, if you play that kind of cricket, that's when you give yourself the best chance to win big tournaments."
Despite playing a central role in India's recent triumphs, Gambhir emphasised that the success was the result of a wider team effort.
The India coach expressed gratitude to former head coach Rahul Dravid for his backing, and also highlighted the influence of VVS Laxman at the Centre of Excellence (COE), along with selection panel chairman Ajit Agarkar.
“Look, first of all, I think I should dedicate this trophy to Rahul Bhai and then to Laxman. Because what Rahul Bhai has done to keep Indian cricket in such a good shape, I have to thank him for everything what he's done during his tenure," Gambhir said.
"And then VVS Laxman for unconditionally doing so much for Indian cricket, especially behind the doors, because COE remains the pipeline for Indian cricket,” he added.
Also Read: India Record Third T20 World Cup Win: From Tendulkar To Kohli, Congratulatory Messages Pour In
Essential Business Intelligence, Continuous LIVE TV, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.