India coach Gautam Gambhir has slammed Kirti Azad after the former cricketer slammed the team for their visit to a temple after winning the T20 World Cup. Azad criticized Gambhir, ICC chairman Jay Shah and Suryakumar for visiting the Hanuman temple in Ahmedabad right after India beat New Zealand in the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup T20.
The 1983 World Cup winner expressed concern that the trophy was only taken to a temple and asked why it was not taken to other places of worship, calling the move discriminatory. Speaking to ANI, Gambhir said it was not a remark that even needed a reply and defended the team’s decision. The Indian coach said it only dilutes his side’s success and was not fair to the players.
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“It’s not even worth answering that question. To answer that question, it’s a big moment for the whole country. If you ask me, then it’s a huge moment for our whole country. I think it’s important that we celebrate the World Cup winners. That’s why I said certain statements; there’s no point in highlighting certain statements because those statements will only dilute your success and tomorrow’s expression. If you want anyone to dilute their efforts and tomorrow’s achievements, then we can dilute any achievements and achievements of all players, start taking it seriously, which is not fair to the boys,” Gambhir while talking to ANI.
“Literally degrading the INDIAN TEAM”
Gambhir said the Indian team deserves to be celebrated in its own way without any religious or political interference. The Indian coach further said that Azad’s comments essentially degraded the Indian team and its achievements.
“Imagine the amount of pressure the boys have gone through — the amount of pressure they were under after losing one match in South Africa, the pressure the boys were under. Today, when you make a statement like that, you are literally degrading your own players and degrading your own team, which should not be done,” Gambhir said.
The remarks from the Indian coach came right after India legend Harbhajan Singh also slammed Azad for his remark.
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Published on:
11 March 2026 09:56 IST
