‘I Don't Believe in These Eras’: Gambhir Plays Down India’s White-Ball Dominance

India’s dominating 96-run victory over New Zealand in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 final in Ahmedabad has sparked widespread praise from across the cricketing world and beyond, but head coach Gautam Gambhir has refused to call it India’s white-ball era.

Despite India winning three ICC trophies in three successive years, the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in 2024, the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025 and the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in 2026, Gambhir insisted that the team’s recent bilateral results in the 50-over format do not justify describing it as an era of domination.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan described India as the best white-ball side in world cricket.

"India are the best T20 team by a good distance .. Plus the best 50 over team by a good distance .. they will take some stopping in white ball cricket. They have taken the game to a different level," wrote Vaughan, adding "but you can get them in Test cricket..."

Gambhir, however, struck a cautious note when asked whether the current team’s success could be compared with the dominance of Australia national cricket team between 1999 and 2007, when they won three consecutive ODI World Cups.

Why does Gautam Gambhir refuse to call this India’s white-ball era?

"See, I won't talk about white-ball cricket, because in white-ball cricket, we've lost two out of the last three series in one-day format. If it was an era, we wouldn't have lost two series," Gambhir said with a wry smile during the post-match press conference.

He did not name the series, but India had lost bilateral ODI series against Australia Down Under and New Zealand at home last year.

While acknowledging India’s strong record in recent ICC tournaments, Gambhir said he does not believe in defining phases of cricket as eras.

"So, there's no if and but about this – it's not that this is a bilateral, or an ICC trophy, or the World Cup. So, I can't differentiate between bilateral and ICC - because it's the same. Everything exactly remains the same," he said.

Gambhir also underlined the privilege of representing India and the responsibility that comes with it.

"I think, the people in the dressing room are very privileged who get the opportunity to represent their country," he said.

"There are thousands of people who want to be in my position. There are millions of kids who want to come in the position of Surya (India T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav) and the players in the dressing room," he added.

Even as Gambhir downplayed the idea of an era, tributes poured in from former players, administrators and personalities across sports.

What did Sachin Tendulkar say about India’s T20 World Cup victory?

Batting great Sachin Tendulkar hailed India as "totally deserving and rightful winners", sharing a glimpse of celebrations outside his Mumbai home.

"Winning the World Cup twice in a row, the first time any team has done so in the T20 format. Totally deserving and rightful winners of the trophy. What a fantastic performance by our team and a special brand of cricket on display. Well done, Team India. Jai Hind!”, wrote Sachin.

"Not in Mumbai to witness the celebration happening outside my house and all over the country. What an evening it has been. Incredible work, Team India,” he added.

Former India captain Virat Kohli, who retired from the format after the 2024 triumph, praised the team’s dominance.

"Phenomenal win for Team India in Ahmedabad. Absolutely no match for the explosive cricket played by us throughout the tournament," Kohli wrote on social media.

"Brilliant character shown by the boys to keep fighting in tough situations and become world champions once again. Congratulations to all the players and all the members of the management for achieving this feat," he added.

What did ICC chairman Jay Shah say after India’s T20 World Cup triumph?

ICC chairman Jay Shah also congratulated the team.

"What an incredible finale to the most global and accessible @ICC event ever! Congrats to India, who became the first team to win back-to-back #T20WorldCup titles. Well done to Suryakumar Yadav and the whole squad and staff. Congrats also to @BLACKCAPS for their great campaign," Shah wrote.

Former India captain and ex-BCCI president Sourav Ganguly said the victory reflected the strength of Indian cricket across levels.

"Congratulations India for winning the T20 World Cup... Very powerful side... Got better in the bigger games... Indian cricket in great place. Women's champion, under-19 champion and now the men's T20 champions," Ganguly posted.

West Indies head coach and former captain Daren Sammy said India had been the team to beat throughout the tournament.

"Like I said from day one. In order the win the @ICC WC T20 you have to beat India in a knockout match. No team did that. Congrats to @BCCI on their 3rd WT20 title. Hard luck to the @BLACKCAPS (Very Consistent Team)," he wrote.

Former South Africa cricketer Herschelle Gibbs also praised the performance.

"Convincing win by India, congrats on taking home the spoils,” Gibbs said.

How did Shubman Gill react to India’s T20 World Cup win?

India’s Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill joined the chorus of praise.

"So proud of our team. Winning a World Cup for India is the dream and you've made the entire nation proud. Congratulations boys," he wrote.

Former all-rounder Yuvraj Singh applauded the team’s character in defending the title.

"Defending a World Cup takes character and this team led by @surya_14kumar played with real intent on the biggest stage!,” Yuvi wrote in a social media post.

He also praised several individual performances.

What did Yuvraj Singh say about India’s match-winners?

"Sanju, across the opportunities showed again why he's a match winner. Ishan was consistent right through and played a solid role in India's run," he wrote, praising Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan, while adding that Abhishek Sharma was "outstanding in the final".

Praising pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, Yuvraj wrote: "It was truly special, the tougher the situation the better he got!"

Former off-spinner Harbhajan Singh also celebrated the win.

"Total domination well done Team India... super proud of our team," he wrote, adding that he had posted his congratulatory message in advance "before the network gets busy".

Former India opener and commentator Aakash Chopra summed up the triumph succinctly.

"History repeated. History defeated. History created."

Former India women’s captain Jhulan Goswami reflected on the team’s journey.

"What a journey from Wankhede to this! Seeing the team lift the trophy in front of this crowd is pure magic. This group has earned every bit of this glory!,” she wrote.

The victory also drew reactions from personalities beyond cricket.

Chess Grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi wrote: "Winning a World Cup final by almost 100 runs! Happy for India, but anti-climatic to watch..."

India’s first individual Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra responded with a heart and the Indian tricolour emoji.

Meanwhile, Lok Sabha Speaker Jagdambika Pal congratulated the team during a parliamentary session on Monday.

"Team India's victory has created an environment of enthusiasm and happiness. With the win, the Indian team has inspired the youth of India to dream big and achieve excellence in the area of sports. This House congratulates the Indian cricket team on the big achievement and wishes for their bright future," he said.

(With inputs from ANI)