India’s emphatic triumph in the 2026 T20 World Cup has reignited debates about where the current side ranks among the country’s best teams in the shortest format. However, former India spinner Harbhajan Singh feels that comparisons across eras do little to reflect what different generations have achieved.
India sealed their third T20 World Cup title after crushing New Zealand in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium, he became the first team to successfully defend the trophy. Speaking exclusively to India Today after the win, Harbhajan praised the current side but urged fans not to compare them with teams led by MS Dhoni or Rohit Sharma.
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“Let’s not compare eras. Every era has different players and a different atmosphere, so why mix everything together? What this team has achieved is phenomenal. They’ve set new limits in terms of how this format can be played and how it should be played. When we started in 2007, we had no real idea about this format,” he said.
The former Indian spinner, who was part of the team that won the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007 under skipper MS Dhoni, said the format itself has transformed significantly over the years, with batting standards and scoring rates reaching a whole new level.
“In our days, 140, 150 or 160 was considered a winning total. If you scored that many runs, you were sure you could defend it. But now you can get 180 or 200. It shows how much the game has changed. This team has taken the game to a whole different level,” he added.
INDIA’S DOMINANT WORLD CUP T20 WIN
India produced one of their most complete performances of the tournament in the final against New Zealand.
After being asked to bat first, the Indian top order provided a ruthless display of batting power. Sanju Samson led the charge with a brilliant 89 off 46 balls while Abhishek Sharma rediscovered his touch with 52 off 21 deliveries.
Ishan Kishan continued his excellent tournament with a quickfire 54 off 25 balls before Shivam Dube provided the late fireworks with an unbeaten 26 off just eight deliveries.
India eventually posted a massive total of 255/5, putting New Zealand under immense pressure.
Chasing a daunting target, New Zealand showed brief resistance thanks to Tim Seifert’s 26-ball 52, but India’s bowling attack soon took control.
Jasprit Bumrah produced a sensational spell 4/15, while Axar Patel picked up 3/27 to dismantle the Kiwi batting order.
India eventually sealed a commanding 96-run victory to become the first team to successfully defend the T20 World Cup and the first host nation to lift the trophy.
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Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
March 9, 2026 11:30 AM IST
