Gautam Gambhir silences critics, completes rare T20 World Cup player–coach double
India Today
Gautam Gambhir completed a rare player–coach double in the T20 World Cup as India defeated New Zealand in the 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Having been part of India's title-winning side in 2007, Gambhir has now lifted the trophy as head coach, answering critics who had questioned his aggressive tactics and bold selections.
Gautam Gambhir became the first person in the history of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup to win the title both as a player (2007) and as a coach (2026) after India defeated New Zealand in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium to successfully defend their T20 World Cup crown.
With this victory, Gambhir also kept his unbeaten record in ICC finals, both as a player and as a coach, intact. India becoming the first-ever side to defend their T20 World Cup title under Gambhir will also help answer some of the criticism directed at the Indian coach, particularly over his bold tactics and controversial selections. This is Gambhir's fourth ICC trophy overall—two as a player and two as a coach.
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Long before his success as a coach, Gambhir had already built a reputation as one of India's most dependable performers in ICC finals. His first appearance in a global summit clash came during the 2007 ICC World Twenty20 in South Africa, where he played a key role in India's triumph. Opening the batting against Pakistan, the left-hander scored a composed 75 off 54 balls, anchoring India's innings in a high-pressure contest as the side lifted the inaugural T20 World Cup title.
Gambhir once again delivered on the biggest stage four years later in the final of the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup. Chasing Sri Lanka's target in Mumbai, India were rocked early by the dismissals of Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar. Walking in under immense pressure, Gambhir produced a gritty 97, falling just three runs short of a century but steadying the innings before MS Dhoni famously finished the chase with an unbeaten 91.
Years later, Gambhir returned to Indian cricket in a new role. He took charge as India's head coach across all formats soon after the team's triumph in the 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup, replacing Rahul Dravid, whose tenure ended after the tournament.
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