India head coach Gautam Gambhir has strongly criticized former cricketer and politician Kirti Azad for his remarks about the Indian team’s visit to a temple following their victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Gambhir described Azad’s comments as disrespectful to the players and said such statements undermine the achievements of the team.
According to a report , the controversy began after Azad questioned the decision to take the World Cup trophy to a Hanuman temple in Ahmedabad after India’s triumph. He argued that since the team represents the entire country, the trophy should also have been taken to places of worship belonging to other religions, such as a mosque, church, or gurdwara.
Gambhir responded firmly to the criticism, stating that such remarks diminish the hard work and dedication shown by the players throughout the tournament. He emphasized that the squad had endured significant pressure during the competition, including scrutiny after setbacks earlier in the campaign. In that context, Gambhir said, public criticism from former players was unfair and damaging to the morale of the team.
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“Imagine what the boys have gone through,” Gambhir said, highlighting the intense expectations placed on the players during the tournament. He added that comments targeting the team’s post-victory actions effectively degrade the same players who brought pride to the country.
The Indian team’s temple visit was part of their celebrations after securing the T20 World Cup title. India clinched the championship with a dominant performance in the final, adding another major trophy to their growing list of achievements in international cricket.
The debate has sparked reactions across the cricket community, with several former players and commentators weighing in on the issue. While some have defended the players’ right to celebrate according to their personal beliefs, others have argued that national teams should remain mindful of representing a diverse country.
Despite the controversy, Gambhir reiterated his support for the Indian squad and stressed that the focus should remain on their remarkable achievement on the field. According to him, the players deserve recognition and respect for their performance rather than criticism during what should be a moment of national celebration.
The incident highlights how sporting success can sometimes become intertwined with broader social and political debates, even during moments of triumph for a national team.