India has become a superpower in world white-ball cricket, says BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia

India secured gold medals in both men's and women's cricket at the Asian Games, cementing their position in white-ball cricket. The men's team defeated Pakistan by 19 runs in the final at Nisshin on October 3, 2026, with India posting 211 for 6 in their 20 overs. Pakistan managed 192 for 6 in response, falling short of the target by 19 runs. The women's team had earlier defeated Sri Lanka by 147 runs during the tournament held from September 17 to 22, 2026.

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia reflected on India's performance across white-ball formats. He stated that India's success extended beyond the Asian Games, noting the team's recent performances in ODIs against the West Indies alongside their Asian Games victory. Saikia highlighted the strength of India's reserve bench in white-ball cricket, emphasising the depth available to the national selectors.

"Very wonderful. India has now become a superpower in world white-ball cricket. We are winning every tournament. I think at the same time, our team played in ODIs against the West Indies, and today, here in the Asian Games as well. This shows how strong our reserve bench is right now in white-ball cricket," Saikia said.

In the men's final, Abhishek Sharma played a key role with 61 runs off 28 balls, striking 3 fours and 7 sixes. Tilak Verma remained unbeaten on 51 off 22 balls, hitting 3 fours and 4 sixes. Shivam Dube contributed 27 not out off 15 balls with 1 four and 2 sixes. Ishan Kishan scored 20, while Shreyas Iyer added 21 runs. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi contributed 15 off 9 balls, striking 2 sixes. Pakistan's Hasan Nawaz scored 96 in the chase but could not guide his team to victory.

India's bowling attack restricted Pakistan in the final. Axar Patel and Washington Sundar each took 2 wickets, while Shivam Dube claimed 2 for 33. The combined effort on the field ensured India's victory and the gold medal in men's cricket.

Recognition of collective effort and national pride

Saikia acknowledged the collective effort behind India's success at the Asian Games. He stated that all players and support staff deserved full credit for the victories. The BCCI Secretary added that the achievements had made the entire country proud, reflecting the significance of India's double gold in white-ball cricket at the continental event.

"All the players deserve full credit, and all the support staff deserve full credit for the victory. It has made the whole country very proud," Saikia said.