Ahmedabad, March 9: India scripted history on March 8, 2026, by becoming the first team to successfully defend the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title after defeating New Zealand by a massive 96 runs in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

Batting first, India posted an imposing 255 for 5 in their 20 overs. Sanju Samson led the charge with a blistering 89 off 46 balls, while Abhishek Sharma scored 52 off just 21 deliveries and Ishan Kishan added a rapid 54 off 25 balls. Shivam Dube provided the finishing flourish with an unbeaten 26 off only eight balls.

Chasing the daunting total, New Zealand collapsed to 159 all out in 19 overs. Jasprit Bumrah delivered a standout performance with the ball, claiming four wickets to earn the Player of the Match award.

However, despite India’s emphatic victory, all-rounder Hardik Pandya came under intense scrutiny for what many observers described as an underwhelming individual performance and controversial moments during and after the match.

Hardik has this bad habit of milking the trophy too much. Even in CT, Kohli and Rohit called him for group pic but he didn’t listen. They eventually removed their blazer pic.twitter.com/jF5lekMNmg

— ` (@worshipVK) March 9, 2026

This guy has proved that he is still a chhapri. He was trying to fake it for a long time, but you can't fake it for too long. pic.twitter.com/J4tJdCw5U8

— Kusha Sharma  (@Kushacritic) March 9, 2026

Sanju Samson 🙌🏼 pic.twitter.com/B1I6obRuMq

— Out Of Context Cricket (@GemsOfCricket) March 9, 2026

Batting Under the Scanner

Pandya walked in to bat at No. 4 during India’s high-scoring innings when the team’s run rate was hovering around 12.75. He scored 18 runs off 13 balls at a strike rate of 138.46, hitting one four and one six.

While the numbers were not poor in isolation, critics argued that the innings lacked the aggressive intent expected in a final where the top order had already set an explosive tone. Pandya was eventually dismissed in the 18th over when Mitchell Santner caught him at mid-off off Matt Henry after being cramped by a slower bouncer.

Some observers also pointed out that Pandya appeared visibly frustrated as he walked off the field without waiting for confirmation of the catch.

Former India cricketer and commentator Sunil Gavaskar remarked during the broadcast that Pandya’s knock lacked the explosiveness fans typically expect from him in major finals. Similar sentiments surfaced on social media, with some users claiming that his innings slowed the team’s momentum at a time when India could have pushed for a total beyond 270.

Fielding Errors Add to Criticism

Pandya’s struggles continued during New Zealand’s chase. In the 12th over bowled by Axar Patel, Mitchell Santner edged a delivery toward backward point where Pandya dropped what commentators described as a straightforward catch.

On the very next ball, Santner edged another delivery toward the boundary. Pandya attempted to stop it but misfielded at the ropes, allowing the ball to slip through for four runs.

Although the mistakes did not affect the final outcome of the match, analysts noted that such lapses were unusual for Pandya, who is generally regarded as a sharp and athletic fielder.

With the ball, Pandya produced a modest spell, finishing with figures of 1 for 36 in four overs, including the wicket of Mark Chapman. However, his economy rate of nine runs per over was higher than that of fellow bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Axar Patel.

What the hell is this? Someone please tell them they're not here for a Durex ad shoot. pic.twitter.com/9ywzPKSIJM

— Chota Don (@choga_don) March 9, 2026

टीवी कल रात इसलिए भी बंद करना पड़ा क्योंकि लग रहा था कि कहीं हार्दिक पांड्या अपनी गर्लफ्रेंड के साथ यहीं न शुरू हो जाये और टीवी वाले लाइव दिखाने भी लगें। pic.twitter.com/K4FcXxoaAC

— Exx Cricketer (@old_cricketer) March 9, 2026

Why so much drama bro ??? pic.twitter.com/v9ogGvd2S3

— Kolly Censor (@KollyCensor) March 8, 2026

Ground staffs 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/XxIkE0R1tJ

— Ayyappan (@Ayyappan_1504) March 8, 2026

Trophy Celebration Sparks Online Debate

The debate intensified after the match during the trophy presentation ceremony. Some social media users accused Pandya of briefly taking control of the trophy before captain Suryakumar Yadav lifted it with the team.

According to posts circulating online, Pandya was seen holding the trophy, kissing it and posing for photographs before passing it on. Some fans interpreted the moment as overshadowing the captain’s role and reigniting memories of earlier controversies involving Pandya’s leadership ambitions.

Several posts on X criticised the moment, with one viral message claiming that Pandya held the trophy while other players were waiting. Others questioned his attitude and body language.

What’s with the attitude of Hardik Pandya, he is just taking control of the trophy even though he literally did nothing… & also not giving it to anyone else…!#INDvNZ #T20WorldCup2026final

— Offsideangle (@offsideangle) March 8, 2026

Mixed Reactions From Fans

The incident triggered a flood of reactions online, with critics describing Pandya’s demeanour as overly confident or attention-seeking. Memes comparing his performance in the final with his on-field swagger quickly circulated across social media platforms.

At the same time, many supporters defended the all-rounder by pointing to his overall contribution during the tournament. Pandya finished the World Cup campaign with 199 runs at a strike rate of 163.11 and eight wickets, including a key performance in the semi-final against England.

As India celebrates its third ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title, the debate surrounding Pandya highlights the intense scrutiny faced by star players even during moments of national triumph.