Gautam Gambhir Slams Kirti Azad for Questioning India’s Temple Visit with T20 World Cup Trophy
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New Delhi, March 11: India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir strongly criticised former cricketer and TMC MP Kirti Azad for questioning the Indian team’s decision to take the T20 World Cup 2026 trophy to a temple after their historic win.
Gambhir said the remarks were unnecessary and argued that such statements undermine the achievements of the players who worked hard to win the tournament.
Gambhir Defends Team India’s Celebration
Speaking in an interview, Gambhir said the country should celebrate the team’s victory instead of creating controversies around the celebrations.
He said comments questioning the temple visit only dilute the success of the players.
According to Gambhir, the players faced immense pressure throughout the tournament, especially after a defeat earlier in the competition.
He said making such statements after the victory “degrades your own players and your own team.”
India Creates History with Third T20 World Cup Title
Team India recently made history by winning its third T20 World Cup title. The team defeated New Zealand by 96 runs in the final at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
With this victory, India became the first team to successfully defend a T20 World Cup title and win the tournament as the host nation.
The win sparked celebrations across the country.
Trophy Taken to Hanuman Temple
After the victory, captain Suryakumar Yadav, head coach Gautam Gambhir, and ICC chairman Jay Shah visited a Hanuman temple near the Narendra Modi Stadium.
They took the T20 World Cup trophy to the temple to seek blessings following the historic triumph.
The gesture quickly gained attention on social media and in political circles.
Kirti Azad Questions the Move
Former cricketer Kirti Azad, who was part of India’s 1983 World Cup-winning team, questioned the move while speaking to reporters.
He said that sports should remain above religion and caste.
Azad stated that Team India represents all 140 crore people of the country, regardless of religion or background. He emphasised that sports achievements belong to the entire nation.
Harbhajan Singh Responds
Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh also reacted to the controversy and criticised Azad’s remarks.
Harbhajan said it was surprising that a former cricketer would politicise the team’s celebrations.
He added that Azad’s comments suggest he may be prioritising politics over sportsmanship.
The debate has triggered discussions on social media about sports, religion, and national celebrations.
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