India won the recently concluded T20 World Cup 2026 after beating New Zealand in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Sanju Samson, who wasn't India's first choice opener was adjudged as the player of the tournament after his heroic 321 runs in 5 innings, helping India lift their third T20 World Cup title. Interestingly, Sanju's inclusion in the side happened after the loss against South Africa in the Super 8 stages. The Indian team management was quick to realise that left-and-left combination at the top isn't working for them and they had to bring a right hander, who can provide a powerful start to the team.
Thankfully, Sanju Samson proved to be that player for team India. Earlier in the tournament, Indian team was in Super 8 Group alongside South Africa, West Indies, and Zimbabwe. Since India lost against South Africa in the Super 8 stages, had they not beaten West Indies in the Super 8 stages, it was almost impossible for India to make it to the semi finals.
South Africa was knocked out of tournament by New Zealand in semi final of T20 World Cup
In this whole scenario, the former England captain and current commentator feels that South Africa is the stupidest team of the T20 World Cup 2026 as they kept India alive by beating West Indies.
He said, "If South Africa had allowed the West Indies to beat them in the Super 8s, India would have been knocked out. By winning the game, they allowed the juggernaut to go on."
However, this statement of him go against the spirit of the game - cricket. But that's what Michael Vaughan felt about South Africa. Later South Africa was knocked out of the tournament by New Zealand in the semi finals of T20 World Cup at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
