'Really happy for you Chetta' - Virat Kohli pens heartfelt note for Sanju Samson after India's T20 World Cup triumph

India’s historic win in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 final triggered celebrations across the world, and among those who reacted with heartfelt emotion was former India captain Virat Kohli. The batting legend took to social media to congratulate the Indian team and reserved special praise for wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson, whose sensational performances throughout the tournament were crucial to the Men in Blue lifting the title.

India defeated New Zealand by a massive 96-run margin in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Batting first, the hosts produced a breathtaking batting display to post 255 runs, the highest total ever recorded in a T20 World Cup final. Half-centuries from Abhishek Sharma, Samson, and Ishan Kishan guided India to the huge total, before the bowlers wrapped up the game.

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However, Samson’s knock of 89 runs off just 46 balls grabbed significant attention. The Kerala batter in the process registered his name in the history books by hitting the highest individual score in a T20 World Cup final, surpassing previous efforts from Marlon Samuels and Kane Williamson.

Samson’s remarkable run in the tournament did not stop there. His final tally of 321 runs meant he surpassed Kohli’s long-standing record of 319 runs for the most runs by an Indian in a single edition of the T20 World Cup, a milestone Kohli had set during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2014. Samson also became only the third batter, alongside Kohli and Shahid Afridi, to score fifties in both the semifinal and final of a T20 World Cup. Despite seeing his own record fall, Kohli posted an emotional message on Instagram.

“What a remarkable tournament from the most well-deserved man of the tournament, Sanju Samson. You performed when it mattered the most. Really happy for you Chetta.” he wrote.

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Virat Kohli praises Indian team for T20WC win

Kohli also praised the Indian team for their fearless brand of cricket and their ability to handle pressure during key moments of the tournament. Having retired from T20 internationals after India’s triumph in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024, Kohli watched from the sidelines as the new generation carried forward India’s legacy in the format.

“Champions. Phenomenal win for Team India in Ahmedabad. Absolutely no match for the explosive cricket played by us throughout the tournament. 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. Jai Hind,” Kohli tweeted.