Former India captain MS Dhoni shared a heartfelt message for the Indian team and head coach Gautam Gambhir after India defended its title at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup on Sunday.
Taking to Instagram after the final, Dhoni congratulated the players, support staff and fans, while also leaving a playful remark for Gambhir, urging him to smile more often.
“History gets created at Ahmedabad, big congratulations to the team and support staff and to all the fans of Indian Cricket Team worldwide,” Dhoni wrote.
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"Coach sahab smile looks great on you, intensity with smile is a killer combo, very well done. Enjoy guys," he added, while also praising fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah as a “champion bowler”.
The message quickly drew attention on social media, particularly because of the long-discussed dynamic between Dhoni and Gambhir over the years.
India script dominant win in T20 World Cup final
India clinched the T20 World Cup title with a commanding performance against the New Zealand national cricket team in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
Led by captain Suryakumar Yadav, India posted a massive total of 255 runs on the board, powered by half-centuries from Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson.
New Zealand’s chase never gathered momentum as Bumrah delivered a match-winning spell, picking up four wickets. Axar Patel also played a key role with three wickets as India bowled the opposition out for 159, sealing a 96-run victory.
Bumrah was named Player of the Match, while Samson received the Player of the Tournament award after scoring 321 runs in five matches. The victory also made India the first host nation to win the T20 World Cup and the first team to defend the title in the tournament’s history.
Dhoni and Gambhir’s equation back in spotlight
The message from Dhoni also revived conversations about the relationship between the two former teammates.
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Gambhir had previously remarked that India’s victory in the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup could not be reduced to one moment, referring to the famous match-winning six Dhoni hit off Sri Lankan bowler Nuwan Kulasekara in the final at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium.
Despite the debate that followed on social media, Dhoni has rarely commented publicly on the matter. On Sunday night, however, his congratulatory message struck a different tone, celebrating Gambhir’s role in guiding India to another major ICC title.
