Former Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni landed in Ahmedabad on Sunday morning, just hours before the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 final between India and New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Dhoni has a significant role in India’s T20 World Cup history, leading the team to victory in the inaugural 2007 edition against Pakistan. In 2024, Rohit Sharma also secured a World Cup win for India by defeating South Africa.
Dhoni’s presence during India’s semi-final triumph over England at the Wankhede Stadium garnered attention from fans and cameras. A heartwarming embrace between Dhoni and Rohit Sharma, the tournament’s brand ambassador, went viral on social media. The spotlight now shifts to Suryakumar Yadav, who could potentially make history by becoming the first captain to clinch the T20 World Cup trophy on home soil.
India faces New Zealand in the final, a team they have never beaten in T20 World Cups. The Men in Blue have encountered challenges in ICC events in Ahmedabad. India aims to achieve several milestones in the summit clash, including becoming the first host team to win the T20 World Cup, defending the title, and securing a third T20 World Cup victory.
The final marks the third ICC championship clash between India and New Zealand in the last six years across different formats. New Zealand holds a 2-1 record over India in ICC tournament finals, winning the Champions Trophy in 2000 and the World Test Championship Final in 2021. India, on the other hand, emerged victorious in the Champions Trophy in 2025. India’s appearance in the T20 World Cup final for the fourth time is a record. Out of the nine previous T20 WC finals, six have been won by the chasing team, with India claiming victory in 2007 and 2024.
