Gautam Gambhir and Kirti Azad (Source:AFP)
India's T20 World Cup victory became the centre of a political controversy after former cricketer and Trinamool Congress MP Kirti Azad criticised the Indian team for taking the trophy to a temple following their victory. India head coach Gautam Gambhir has now responded to the remarks, saying the comments are 'not worth answering'.
Less than 24 hours after India defeated New Zealand by 96 runs in the final to win the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, Gautam Gambhir, captain Suryakumar Yadav, and ICC chairman Jay Shah visited a Hanuman temple in Ahmedabad to offer prayers with the trophy.
However, Kirti Azad questioned the move in a post on X (formerly Twitter). He wrote that the trophy belongs to all Indians of every faith and asked why it was not taken to a mosque, a church, or a gurdwara as well.
Check the Tweet here:
Gautam Gambhir responds to Kirti Azad's criticism
Speaking on a podcast with ANI, Gautam Gambhir made it clear that he does not want to give the controversy much importance. According to the Indian coach, the team's historic win should remain the focus rather than political arguments.
"What do I even say about it. I think it’s not even worth answering that question. It’s a big moment for the entire country. I think it is important that we celebrate the World Cup. That’s why I say that there’s no point picking up certain statements because they only dilute your achievements. If you want to dilute the efforts of those 15 players, then anyone will wake up and say anything tomorrow," Gautam Gambhir told ANI in a podcast.
Gautam Gambhir also defended the players, pointing out the intense pressure they faced during the tournament. He stressed that remarks questioning their celebrations can undermine the hard work and dedication of the squad.
However, Kirti Azad responded to Gambhir's statement and said that - "Yes, definitely players should not be degraded. Players shouldn't degrade their situation either. Our is a democratic country in which people of all religions live, and everyone should be respected.”
Also Read: Gautam Gambhir Launches Revolt, Confronts ICC Over Arshdeep Singh
Earlier, star player Ishan Kishan had also avoided the controversy when asked about it by reporters. Kishan simply replied, 'Ask something else,' and said journalists should focus on the team's performance rather than political debates.
Harbhajan Singh takes brutal dig at Kirti Azad's controversial remark
Alongside Gautam Gambhir, former spinner Harbhajan Singh also criticised Kirti Azad’s comments. Harbhajan said it was wrong to bring politics into a moment of national celebration.
He argued that players have the right to express their faith in any way they choose. According to him, visiting a temple, mosque or church after a major achievement is a personal matter and should not be questioned.
"It is absurd what he (Kirti Azad) is trying to do by playing politics with this. The Indian team can take the trophy to a temple, a mosque, a church, wherever they want to. If they have asked something from their God and have revisited their faith after their wish was fulfilled, what's the problem in that?” he said.
"It is unfortunate to hear these things from fellow cricketers. Maybe they are preferring politics over the sport. It is even more unfortunate that he is a sportsman. The country has won a World Cup. Be happy, celebrate, but you are busy doing politics. We say in our faith that all religions are the same. There may be different Gods, but the path is the same. If they went to a temple, a mosque or a church, it is the same. It is their faith, and you should not be questioning it."
India's Remarkable Journey to the Title
India's performance in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has been widely praised. The team showed strong character after a heavy defeat to the South Africa in the Super 8 stage.
The team responded brilliantly, defeating Zimbabwe and the West Indies to reach the semi-finals. In the knockout stage, India beat the England before producing a dominant performance in the final against New Zealand.
Also Read: New Zealand Captain Amelia Kerr Joins Elite List With Historic ODI Feat In 200-Run Win
