India’s historic T20 World Cup victory has sparked a political controversy after a remark by Trinamool Congress MP and former cricketer Kirti Azad. Head coach Gautam Gambhir has now strongly responded, calling the comment “degrading” and unnecessary during a moment of national celebration.
Less than 24 hours after India defeated New Zealand by 96 runs in the T20 World Cup final, Gambhir, captain Suryakumar Yadav, and ICC chairman Jay Shah visited a nearby Hanuman temple with the trophy. The visit prompted Azad, himself a former World Cup winner, to post a message on social media platform X questioning why the team had not taken the trophy to other religious places as well.
“Why NOT a Mosque? Why NOT a Church? Why NOT a Gurudwara? The Trophy Belongs to 1.4 BILLION Indians of EVERY Faith — NOT ONE RELIGION’S VICTORY LAP,” Azad wrote.
His post quickly triggered a debate online, with many questioning the need for such a remark after a major sporting triumph.
Meanwhile, as wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan returned to his hometown, he avoided commenting on the controversy and simply said, “Ask something else.” Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh, who was part of two World Cup-winning teams, also criticized Azad’s remarks.
Harbhajan said it was wrong to bring politics into a sporting celebration. According to him, the players had every right to express their faith in any way they wished.
“It is absurd what he 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. If they had prayed for success and returned to thank their God after achieving it, what is the problem?” Harbhajan said.
He also added that it was unfortunate to hear such comments from someone who had been a cricketer himself.
“The country has won a World Cup. Everyone should celebrate, but instead politics is being played. All religions are equal. The paths may be different, but the belief is the same. If the team had gone to a temple, mosque, or church, it would still be their personal faith, and it should not be questioned,” he added.
Gambhir, who has won multiple ICC trophies as a player and now as India’s head coach, also reacted strongly to the controversy. Speaking to ANI in a podcast, he said such remarks only take attention away from the team’s achievements.
“What do I even say about it? It’s not even worth answering that question. This is a huge moment for the country and we should celebrate the World Cup. Statements like these only dilute the achievements of the players,” Gambhir said.
He further pointed out that the Indian team had gone through immense pressure during the tournament.
“It’s unfair to the boys. Think about the pressure they were under. After losing to South Africa, the criticism and pressure were immense. When someone makes such statements, it ends up degrading your own team and players,” he said.
India’s journey to the title was far from easy. After suffering a heavy 76-run defeat to South Africa in the Super Eights, their net run rate dropped to -3.8, putting them under serious pressure. The team then needed to win their remaining matches against Zimbabwe and the West Indies to reach the semi-finals.
India responded strongly, defeating Zimbabwe by 76 runs and beating the West Indies by five wickets to keep their campaign alive.
In the semi-final, India faced England and once again proved their dominance, overcoming a brilliant century by Jacob Bethell to secure a place in the final.
The final turned out to be India’s most commanding performance of the tournament. The team completely outplayed New Zealand, winning by 96 runs to lift the T20 World Cup title.
With this victory, India became the first team in history to win the T20 World Cup three times, successfully defend the title, and achieve the feat on home soil.
