'Degrading own players': Gautam Gambhir on Kirti Azad's temple criticism
11 Mar 2026

Head coach Gautam Gambhir has defended Team India's decision to visit a Hanuman temple in Ahmedabad after winning the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

The gesture was recently criticized by former cricketer and politician Kirti Azad, who asked why the trophy was taken only to a temple and not other places of worship.

Responding to the criticism, Gambhir said such remarks degrade his own team and players.

Not worth answering Azad's question: Gambhir
Rebuttal

Gambhir, known for his straightforwardness, defended the team's decision and hit back at Azad over his controversial remarks.

In a conversation with ANI, he said, "It is not even worth answering this question," he said. "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 winner."

He stressed that players should be allowed to celebrate in their own way without political or religious interference.

'You're literally degrading your own players'
Player pressure

Gambhir highlighted the immense pressure players have to deal with after losing a match.

"Imagine that the boys have gone through so much -- the amount of pressure they've been under after losing one match in South Africa," he said.

"Today, if you are giving such a statement, you're literally degrading your own players and degrading your own team, which should not be done."

What Gambhir responded to
Response

Gambhir's comments came after Azad questioned why the trophy was taken only to a temple and not other places of worship.

"Why NOT a Mosque? Why NOT a Church? Why NOT a Gurudwara? This Team Represents INDIA — not Surya Kumar Yadav's or Jay Shah's Family ! Siraj never paraded it at a Mosque. Sanju never took it to a Church. latter had a major part to play and was man of the tournament," Azad wrote on X.