Shahid Afridi Credits India's T20 World Cup Triumph To Team's Unwavering Resolve, Reserves Special Praise For Jasprit Bumrah

ICC Men's T20 World Cup: Legendary all-rounder and former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi lauded India's historic achievement in defending the ICC Men's T20 World Cup title, especially applauding Sanju Samson and Jasprit Bumrah, for their performances not only in the final but during the whole tournament.

“The World Cup is over. I think India deserved the title. They have a great team combination. The players sitting on the bench were also as good as the playing XI. This is why I say that you bench needs to be strong.India’s bench was very strong; they could have picked anyone from there and slotted them into the playing XI. They played the whole tournament as champions,” Afridi posted in a video on his X account.

Bumrah was unprecedented in India's T20 World Cup 2026 win, bagging 4 wickets for just 15 runs against New Zealand in the final. His brilliant bowling earned him the Player of the Match award, and he finished as the joint-highest wicket-taker with 14 wickets.

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“Jasprit Bumrah was the backbone of their bowling, who has carried India on his back for a long time with his impressive performances. Be it with the new ball, old ball, slower one or yorker, he is one of the best bowlers in my opinion," he added.

Samson emerged as one of the standout performers of the tournament. His star moment came during the Super Eights clash against the West Indies, where he delivered a commanding innings (97* off 50) that turned the momentum of India's campaign and set up a crucial victory.

Samson produced a collected yet assertive knock, scoring 89 and steering India through a tense semi-final against England. Samson played one of the finest innings of the tournament, scoring another blistering 89 to power India to a formidable total against New Zealand in the final.

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“Sanju Samson was outstanding. He got the opportunity and he delivered with his sensible hitting and his ability to build the innings. Abhishek Sharma also performed well tonight. Ishan Kishan also performed outstandingly, just like he had performed against Pakistan,” Afridi said.