India’s strong win against New Zealand in the 2026 T20 World Cup final did more than just get them another trophy; it began a discussion across countries about how modern cricket is built to be successful. Shoaib Akhtar was at the middle of this, praising India’s policy, system and the idea of choosing players by what they had done – and especially mentioning Sanju Samson for, as he said, ‘stopping’ New Zealand.
India defeat New Zealand to win their third T20 title
At the full Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, India beat New Zealand by 96 runs to win a memorable championship. The home side took the lead early and did not give it up, putting together what many believe was one of the best performances in a final match of this kind.
When asked to bat first, India’s top batters played with no fear. Sanju Samson’s 89 runs from 46 balls was the main part of a very large score, with Abhishek Sharma’s quick 52 off 21 and Ishan Kishan’s fast 54 from 25 also helping. A strong finish by Shivam Dube raised the total past what would have been a good score, and into a level that would decide the match.
New Zealand showed some fight for a short time, thanks to Tim Seifert, but India’s bowlers ended their hopes. Jasprit Bumrah’s skill with the new ball and Axar Patel’s control in the middle of the innings ended New Zealand’s chance of winning. By the time the last wicket went down, the score showed how much India had won by, due to their constant good play.
As a bonus, India became the first team to keep the T20 World Cup and the first host country to win the trophy. Samson and Bumrah – along with other top players – were given awards at the end of the night, showing the mix of power and accuracy that helped them win the title.
Shoaib Akhtar’s careful view: ‘policy, system, merit won’
After the final, Shoaib Akhtar gave a strong opinion that went past feelings and looked at how things were set up. He said that India’s cricket world – not only the eleven players on the field that night – had helped them win. He said, ‘their policy won, their system won, their merit won.’
Akhtar gave India credit for the long-term choices they had made: putting money into the right areas, making the ways players could get into the team more professional, and giving rewards to those who were in good form, not to those with a good name. He pointed to how much better domestic cricket had become, both in terms of money and structure, making a system that regularly produces players who are ready for international matches.
He also said that this system helps with hard choices. Supporting players when they are not doing well, using data to help with planning, and making sure that players are chosen for their role, are now normal things in the Indian team, he said.
Meltdown of pakistani cricketers has started 😂😂
Shoaib akhtar : India ne koshish ki aise ameer bachcha nahi hota ek mahalle mein, aur saare ghareeb bachchon ko bula leta hai, 'aao cricket khelein, jeetna sirf maine hai'. India bhi yahi kar raha hai hamare saath."
"Aath (8)… pic.twitter.com/ldVBPcKVMI
— lakshman (@rebel_notout) March 8, 2026
Compliments for Gautam Gambhir’s brave choices
Akhtar gave special praise to the team coach, Gautam Gambhir. He praised Gambhir for picking players based on what they had done, trusting his feelings, and sticking to his plans even when people were questioning him. Akhtar said that backing the players he had chosen, even when they were having a hard time, was a risk that had paid off on the biggest stage.
More generally, there had been a hard change going on. As roles in T20 cricket changed and older, respected players stopped playing in the shortest form of the game, the team management looked to the future. Akhtar said that being willing to bring in new players without disrespecting the old ones was what well-planned systems allow.
Sanju Samson ‘stopped’ New Zealand
Akhtar’s best compliment was for Sanju Samson. He called Samson the player who ‘stopped’ New Zealand, saying that Samson’s 89 runs was not just getting runs, but a clever plan to break down New Zealand. The wicketkeeper-batter’s speed, range and clear choices changed the whole night.
Samson set the tone, Abhishek Sharma made it stronger, and Kishan kept it going. With these three working together, India made the innings move forward in bursts, not letting New Zealand have any long periods of control. When Dube finished the job, the score became so high that no chase could really hope to reach it.
Reactions from across the border add feeling to the discussion
Akhtar’s praise was noticeable partly because he had made sharper criticisms during the tournament. At one point, he had compared India’s power to a strong neighbour controlling the game, and said he wanted New Zealand to win for the good of cricket. His attitude after the final was different: looking at things carefully, and even admiring India’s method.
Other former Pakistan players also gave their opinions. Mohammad Amir said that New Zealand’s bowlers had failed to put on constant pressure, a mistake that let India’s batters take control early and often. The debate went onto social media, where a video of Akhtar’s comments got hundreds of thousands of views on X.
What India’s system-based approach means for world cricket
India’s win was not a surprise. It was the result of a deep group of players, a strong domestic schedule, and professional support systems. Investments in coaching, looking at data, sports science, and high-performance facilities have matched a clear idea of what roles should be.
The Ranji Trophy and other domestic events have got more attention and are now worth more, turning chances into real career paths. This, in turn, has made selection really competitive. When talk of skill is backed by money, facilities, and constant standards, it stops being just a slogan.
What is also important is how India’s team culture joined the past and present. The celebrations brought together past captains and current champions, showing respect for what had gone before, while also accepting change. Akhtar said that this balance – honouring older players, giving power to young players – is strong in culture and helps a team win.
For countries that are against India, including Pakistan, the lesson is clear but helpful. Being successful in modern T20 cricket is planned. It needs investment in domestic cricket, clear plans for who will come next, the courage to change the order of players, and a firm belief in skill. Feelings can win nights; systems win periods of time.
Shoaib Akhtar’s opinion after the final showed this to be true. In Ahmedabad, one good batting performance may have stopped New Zealand, but it was India’s policy, system, and skill that won the World Cup – and, for now, the future.
