Gautam Gambhir Hits Back at Kirti Azad Over T20 World Cup Temple Remark

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir has strongly responded to remarks made by former cricketer Kirti Azad regarding the Indian team’s visit to a temple following their T20 World Cup 2026 victory.

Gambhir said Azad’s comments unfairly criticised the players and diminished the significance of their historic achievement.

Kirti Azad Questions Temple Visit

After India’s victory over New Zealand in the T20 World Cup final, members of the team visited the Hanuman temple in Ahmedabad to offer prayers.

Kirti Azad questioned the decision and argued that the trophy should not be associated with a single religious place.

He suggested that if the team wanted to mark the occasion with spiritual visits, they could also visit other places of worship such as mosques, churches, or gurudwaras.

Azad described the move as potentially discriminatory and said the victory belonged to the entire nation.

Gambhir Defends the Team

Responding to the criticism, Gautam Gambhir dismissed the remarks and defended the players.

He said the comments were unnecessary and unfair to the team that had just achieved a major international success.

According to Gambhir, raising such debates at a moment of celebration takes attention away from the hard work and performance of the players.

The coach also emphasised that the players deserved appreciation rather than criticism after winning a global tournament.

Focus on Team Achievement

Gambhir stressed that the T20 World Cup victory was the result of dedication, discipline, and teamwork.

He added that questioning the team’s personal choices after such a historic win only dilutes the magnitude of their accomplishment.

The coach highlighted that the players had worked tirelessly throughout the tournament and should be recognised for their sporting excellence.

Social Media Debate

The exchange between Gambhir and Azad has triggered widespread discussion among cricket fans.

Some supporters agreed with Gambhir’s view that the focus should remain on the team’s achievement.

Others debated the broader issue of religion and national celebrations.

Celebrations After Historic Win

India’s victory in the T20 World Cup 2026 marked a significant milestone for the national team.

The celebrations that followed included visits to religious places, public events, and widespread support from fans across the country.

Despite the ongoing debate, many supporters continue to celebrate the team’s success and their achievement on the global stage.