Gautam Gambhir hits back at Kirti Azad over temple remark after World Cup victory

India head coach Gautam Gambhir has strongly criticised former cricketer and politician Kirti Azad for making a religious remark following India's T20 World Cup 2026 triumph, calling the statement "degrading" and saying it diluted the team's achievement.

India defeated New Zealand by 96 runs in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad to successfully defend their T20 World Cup title. Shortly after the win, Gambhir, captain Suryakumar Yadav and ICC chairman Jay Shah visited a nearby Hanuman temple with the trophy.

The visit triggered controversy after Azad, a member of the 1983 World Cup-winning team and current Trinamool Congress MP, questioned the act on social media.

What did Kirti Azad say after India's World Cup win?

Reacting to the temple visit, Azad wrote on X:

"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."

The post sparked a debate online, with many fans and former cricketers questioning the need to bring religion into the celebrations following a historic sporting achievement.

Gautam Gambhir calls the statement 'unfair to players'

Speaking about the controversy, Gambhir expressed disappointment and said the remark undermined the efforts of the Indian players.

"What do I even say about it. I think it's not even worth answering that question," Gambhir said.

"It's a big moment for the entire country. We should celebrate the World Cup. When statements like this come out, they only dilute your achievements."

The India coach added that such comments overlook the pressure and hard work the team went through during the tournament.

"It is not fair on the boys. Imagine what the boys have gone through. The amount of pressure they were under. If you pass such statements, you are degrading your own players and your own team."

Harbhajan Singh also criticises the remark

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh also reacted strongly, saying there was nothing wrong with players visiting a religious place after achieving success.

"The Indian team can take the trophy to a temple, a mosque, a church, wherever they want to," Harbhajan said.

"If they have asked something from their God and revisit their faith after their wish is fulfilled, what's the problem in that?"

Gambhir's comments came after India completed a remarkable run to the T20 World Cup title.

The team recovered strongly after a heavy defeat to South Africa in the Super Eight stage, winning their remaining matches against Zimbabwe and West Indies to reach the semi-final.

India then defeated England in the semi-final before delivering a dominant performance in the final, posting a massive total of 255 and bowling New Zealand out to secure a 96-run victory.

With the triumph, India became the first men's team to win three T20 World Cup titles and the first to successfully defend the trophy.