Gautam Gambhir Slams Kirti Azad Over ‘Degrading’ Temple Remarks After T20 World Cup Win

NEW DELHI – In the wake of India’s historic T20 World Cup 2026 triumph, a heated war of words has erupted between two generations of Indian cricket. India Head Coach Gautam Gambhir has issued a stinging rebuttal to former cricketer Kirti Azad, accusing the 1983 World Cup winner of “degrading” the national team and its players.

The controversy began after Kirti Azad publicly criticized the Indian team’s decision to take the T20 World Cup trophy to the Hanuman Temple in Ahmedabad. Following India’s victory over New Zealand in the final, Gambhir, captain Suryakumar Yadav, and ICC Chairman Jay Shah visited the temple to offer prayers—a move Azad termed “discriminatory,” questioning why the trophy was not taken to other places of religious worship.

‘Not Worth Answering’

Responding to the remarks during a conversation with ANI, a visibly displeased Gambhir stated that such comments serve only to distract from a monumental national achievement.

“It is not even worth answering this question,” Gambhir said. “This is a huge moment for our entire country. It is important that we celebrate the World Cup winners. Picking up such statements only dilutes the achievement of those 15 players and the immense effort they put in.”

Defending the Players

Gambhir emphasized the immense pressure the squad faced throughout the tournament, particularly after a challenging stint in South Africa. He argued that the players earned the right to celebrate and offer thanks in their own way without being subjected to political or religious scrutiny.

“Imagine what these boys have gone through—the pressure they were under. By making such statements, you are literally degrading your own players and your own team. It simply should not be done,” the coach added.

A Divided Brotherhood?

The friction highlights a rare public rift between members of India’s elite World Cup-winning fraternity. While Azad, a member of the legendary 1983 squad, raised concerns over inclusivity, Gambhir’s stance has found support within the cricketing community. Former spinner Harbhajan Singh also reportedly slammed Azad’s remarks, echoing the sentiment that the focus should remain strictly on the team’s on-field success.

As the nation continues to celebrate India’s return to the pinnacle of T20 cricket, the coaching staff and senior players seem intent on shielding the squad from external controversies, urging fans and critics alike to honor the victory for what it is: a crowning glory for Indian sports.