'Even I was doubting myself': Abhishek Sharma thanks Suryakumar Yadav, coach Gautam Gambhir after match-winning knock in final

Abhishek Sharma said the support from the team management helped him regain confidence during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup after a difficult run in the competition.

Abhishek made an impact in the final against New Zealand, scoring 52 from 21 balls and giving India a quick start along with Sanju Samson after the side was asked to bat first. India posted 255 for five and went on to win the match by 96 runs, becoming the first team to defend a T20 World Cup title.


"The one thing was very clear, I wanted to share before as well, but today is the best day. The captain and coach had faith in me. Even I was doubting myself. I had never experienced this before, it was a tough tournament," Abhishek said after the match.

"I was just doing my process, trying to take it one game after another, but it wasn't easy. But I love this team because the way they backed me. It wasn't easy for me because going through the whole year I was doing well for the team, but in the big tournament I wasn't able to.

"But the faith the team and management showed in me. I got emotional in the middle of the tournament and wanted to talk to the coach and captain and they said you'll win us the big games. The crowd has supported us a lot even through tough times," Abhishek added.

India defeated New Zealand by 96 runs in the final in Ahmedabad after posting the highest total in a T20 World Cup final.

Samson scored 89, while Abhishek made 52 and Ishan Kishan added 54 as India finished with 255 for five.

The total was the highest ever in a T20 World Cup final. With the win, India also became the first team to defend the T20 World Cup title and became the only team to win the tournament for the third time.


Get the latest ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, IND vs ENG Live Score updates, including the full schedule, teams, points table, and key series stats such as top run-scorers and wicket-takers.