Controversy over taking trophy to temple: Gambhir hits back at Kirti Azad, says such statements diminish the significance of achievements

The Indian team won the T20 World Cup 2026 by defeating New Zealand by 96 runs in the final played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Led by captain Suryakumar Yadav, India created history with a brilliant performance, winning the T20 World Cup for the third time. Celebrations erupted across the country following this victory, and the players were given a rousing welcome. Following the World Cup win, some prominent figures associated with Indian cricket visited the famous Hanuman Temple in Ahmedabad with the trophy. However, following this development, former cricketer and Trinamool Congress MP Kirti Azad raised questions on social media. He stated that it was inappropriate to take the World Cup trophy to a single religious site. Azad was widely criticized for this statement. Indian team head coach Gautam Gambhir has also reacted sharply to this statement.

What is the whole matter?

In fact, after winning the World Cup, Suryakumar and coach Gautam Gambhir visited the temple and offered prayers. ICC President Jay Shah was also seen with Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar. The three went to the temple and offered prayers, placing the trophy before Lord Hanuman and seeking blessings. People present at the temple complex also warmly welcomed the three players and raised slogans in support of Team India. The three bowed their heads at the feet of Lord Hanuman and prayed for the country's success and the team's bright future.

Following this, Kirti Azad raised questions on social media about the trophy being taken to the temple. He wrote in his tweet that when India won the World Cup in 1983 under the captaincy of Kapil Dev, the team included players from all religions: Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and Christians, and that the victory was dedicated to Mother India. He questioned why the cricket trophy was being taken to a single religious site. He also said that the trophy belongs to 1.4 billion Indians, not a symbol of the victory of any one religion.

Gautam Gambhir gave a befitting reply.

Indian team head coach Gautam Gambhir has criticized Kirti Azad's statement. He said that such statements diminish the players' achievements. Speaking to news agency ANI, Gambhir said, "This question is not even worth answering. This is a huge moment for the entire country." We should celebrate the World Cup-winning team. Such statements only diminish the achievement." He further said that taking everyone's statements seriously would diminish the respect for the players' hard work.

"Like demeaning your own players."

Gambhir said that the players have faced a lot of pressure in this tournament, and making such comments at such a time is inappropriate. He said, "Just imagine the pressure these players have faced. If you make such statements, you are demeaning your own players and your own team. This should not happen."

Harbhajan Singh also expressed displeasure.

Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh also expressed surprise at Kirti Azad's statement. He said that it is not right to politicize the players' visit to a temple. Harbhajan said, "It is strange that a player takes a trophy to a temple and then politics starts happening over it. Kirti has been a cricketer himself, so such a thing was not expected from him."

Kirti Azad's long association with cricket

Although Kirti Azad is currently active in politics, he has a deep connection with cricket. He was part of the Indian team that won the 1983 ODI World Cup. As an all-rounder, he played seven Tests and 25 ODIs for India. He also had a long career in domestic cricket.

While the T20 World Cup victory has brought celebrations across the country, the debate surrounding this issue has sparked a new discussion about the relationship between sports and politics. However, Team India's coach and several players believe that this historic victory should only honor the players' hard work and achievements.