New Delhi, March 10 (UNI) Fresh from leading India to a record third T20 World Cup triumph, head coach Gautam Gambhir identified Sanju Samson’s match-winning 97 against the West Indies as the turning point of the campaign, with India eventually sealing the title by defeating New Zealand in the final in Ahmedabad on Sunday.
Reflecting on the triumph, Gambhir described winning a World Cup as India’s head coach as a deeply emotional experience and a privilege to once again contribute in national colours.
“I could never have thought about winning a World Cup as a coach. I never thought I would get the opportunity or privilege to be the head coach of the Indian team because it’s an absolute privilege to again wear the India jersey or do something special for the country,” Gambhir said.
The former Indian opener added that the pride of representing the country and the appreciation of loved ones made such achievements even more meaningful. “When your mom wishes you and tells you ‘well done’, that’s what you play for and what you live for as well. What bigger feeling is there than making 140 crore Indians proud,” he said on JioStar.
Gambhir also reiterated a message he repeatedly shared with the squad during the tournament, that wearing the India jersey is a privilege. “I’ve always believed that, and I’ve always told the boys as well, that being in that dressing room is a privilege, not an entitlement. Thousands of people would want to be in my position as the head coach of the Indian team, and many would want to be in the position the players are in,” he said.
According to Gambhir, India’s success was shaped by a fearless brand of cricket and a clear team philosophy that prioritised impact over individual achievements. “I think more than the win, it was the way the boys adapted to the ideology and philosophy of being high-risk, high-reward. From day one, I had a very strong belief that the T20 format is about impact. It’s not about milestones or individual performances. It’s about going out there and creating an impact, whether it’s on the field, with the ball, or with the bat,” Gambhir noted.
He emphasised the importance of staying focused on the present moment in the shortest format of the game. “The simple ideology throughout this World Cup was that if we could stay in the present and try to control each delivery. Whatever has gone will never come back, and you cannot control what’s going to come in the future. Even if you get hit for five sixes, the next delivery could be the game-changing moment,” he stated.
Among several standout performances during the tournament, Gambhir pointed to Samson’s 97 against the West Indies as the moment that shifted the momentum of India’s campaign.
“It’s very difficult to say, but I still believe that Sanju’s 97 against West Indies was the turning point of this campaign. It was a virtual quarter-final. Chasing 195 in a World Cup game is never easy, irrespective of the ground,” Gambhir explained.
He added that Samson’s composure at the crease helped lift the mood in the dressing room and also praised Ishan Kishan for his contribution during the chase.
“With the ease and calmness with which he batted, it gave us a lot of confidence in the group that now we were probably on the right track. When Sanju got going and the way Ishan Kishan batted at number three, a lot of things actually started taking shape,” Gambhir said.
Gambhir also credited the team’s willingness to adapt, particularly when players were asked to take on different batting roles depending on the situation. “One thing which will stay with me for the rest of my life is how comfortably the boys accepted different batting positions,” he said.
The flexibility within the side, he added, was led by captain Suryakumar Yadav, who remained open to adjusting his role for the benefit of the team.
“Against England in the semi-final, Shivam got promoted, and Surya was absolutely fine with it. In the final, Hardik was promoted and the captain was fine with it,” Gambhir said.
He also highlighted the adaptability shown by players such as Tilak Varma and Shivam Dube, who batted at multiple positions during the tournament depending on the demands of the match.
“Tilak started at number three, then batted at five, six, and even seven, and the same with Shivam, who batted from number four to seven. That is what team sport is all about,” he said.
Gambhir reserved special praise for India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, noting that the fast bowler delivered crucial overs at different stages of the innings.
“Jasprit started with the new ball, bowled in the middle and delivered the tough overs as well,” Gambhir said. “At different stages in the competition, players were given different roles, and they adapted beautifully.”
