Coach Gautam Gambhir Confronts TMC MP Kirti Azad Over World Cup Trophy Controversy India’s cricket team, led by captain Surya, coach Gambhir, and Jay Shah, visited the Hanuman Temple in Ahmedabad after winning the T20 World Cup 2026 against New Zealand. The decision sparked criticism from TMC MP Kirti Azad, who questioned why the trophy was taken to a Hindu temple instead of other religious sites. Azad argued the gesture was discriminatory and called for the trophy to be displayed at places of worship for all faiths. Gambhir strongly defended the team’s actions, stating that such comments undermine the players’ achievements. He emphasized that the team’s victory is a collective effort and that celebrating it in their own way is their right. “These statements diminish the hard work and success of the players,” Gambhir said. He also highlighted the immense pressure the team faced, particularly after a loss to South Africa, and warned that such critiques could devalue their accomplishments. Gambhir further clarified that the team’s celebration should not be tied to religion or politics. He noted that the visit to the temple was a personal choice to honor the victory, not a political statement. Former spinner Harbhajan Singh also expressed support for the team, criticizing Azad’s remarks as disrespectful to the players’ efforts. The controversy has reignited debates about the intersection of sports, religion, and politics in India. Gambhir’s response underscores the team’s focus on unity and pride in their historic win, while critics argue that the gesture should have been more inclusive.#t20_world_cup_2026 #south_africa #hanuman_temple #coach_gautam_gambhir #tmc_mp_kirti_azad
T20 World Cup win: Kirti Azad slams Surya Kumar Yadav, Jay Shah for temple visit with trophy The former cricketer Kirti Azad criticized Indian cricket captain Surya Kumar Yadav and ICC Chairman Jay Shah for taking the T20 World Cup trophy to a temple in Ahmedabad after India’s victory over New Zealand in the 2026 final. Azad, a member of the 1983 World Cup-winning team, expressed outrage on social media, accusing the leaders of the Indian team of prioritizing personal religious gestures over the collective pride of the nation. Azad’s post highlighted the contrast between the 1983 team’s approach and the current leadership’s actions. He recalled that the 1983 squad, which included players of diverse faiths, brought the trophy to India’s religious and cultural heartland, symbolizing unity. In contrast, he condemned the recent decision to display the trophy at a Hanuman Temple, arguing that it reduced the achievement to a personal celebration rather than a national triumph. “Siraj never paraded it at a Mosque. Sanju never took it to a Church,” Azad wrote, referencing past players like Sirajul Islam and Sanju Samson. He emphasized that the trophy belonged to all 1.4 billion Indians, regardless of religion, and criticized the leaders for what he called a “victory lap” for a single faith. The incident sparked debate about the role of religious symbolism in sports celebrations. While Yadav and Jay Shah, along with coach Gautam Gambhir, offered prayers at the temple following the win, Azad’s criticism underscored growing concerns about the politicization of national achievements. His post, which included a hashtag “SHAME ON TEAM INDIA,” resonated with many fans who felt the gesture overshadowed the team’s collective success.#ahmedabad #surya_kumar_yadav #kirti_azad #jay_shah #hanuman_temple
