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Gautam Gambhir Visits Gurudwara After T20 WC Win, Responds to Criticism

Indian men's cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir visited Gurudwara Shri Rakab Ganj Sahib in New Delhi to offer prayers following India's historic T20 World Cup 2026 victory. His visit comes after former cricketer and TMC MP Kirti Azad criticized the team leadership for taking the World Cup trophy to a Hanuman temple after the final win in Ahmedabad. Gambhir dismissed the criticism, stating such comments dilute the team's achievement and are unfair to the players' efforts. Following the win, skipper Suryakumar Yadav, Gambhir, and ICC Chairman Jay Shah had visited the temple near the stadium with the trophy.

Key Points: Gambhir Offers Prayers After T20 WC Win, Addresses Trophy Temple Row

  • India wins record third T20 World Cup
  • Gambhir visits Gurudwara after victory
  • Responds to Kirti Azad's criticism on trophy temple visit
  • Team celebrated win at Hanuman temple with trophy
3 min read

Gautam Gambhir offer prayers at Gurudwara Rakab Ganj Sahib after T20 WC win

Head coach Gautam Gambhir visited Gurudwara Rakab Ganj Sahib after India's T20 World Cup 2026 victory and responded to criticism over taking the trophy to a temple.

Gautam Gambhir offer prayers at Gurudwara Rakab Ganj Sahib after T20 WC win
"It's a big moment for the entire country... these statements will only dilute your achievement. - Gautam Gambhir"

New Delhi, March 12

Indian men's cricket team's head coach Gautam Gambhir visited Gurudwara Shri Rakab Ganj Sahib in the national capital on Thursday to offer prayers after winning the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.

Men in Blue made history by securing a record third Men's T20 World Cup title and becoming the first-ever team to defend the title and win it as a home nation following a brilliant 96-run win over New Zealand at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

His visit comes amid the critical comments from the former Indian cricketer and TMC MP Kirti Azad, who criticised the Indian leadership, including Gambhir, for taking the T20 World Cup 2026 trophy to a temple following the team's win on Sunday in Ahmedabad.

Reacting to Azad's comments, Gambhir said in an interview with ANI, "I think it's not even worth answering that question. It's a big moment for the entire country. I think it is important that we celebrate a World Cup win, and that's why I say certain statements; there is no point picking up certain statements because these statements will only dilute your achievement. If you want to dilute the achievements of those 15 players and their efforts which is not fair to the boys. If you give such a statement, then you are literally degrading your own players and your own team, which should not be done."

Following the win, India skipper Suryakumar Yadav, Gambhir and ICC Chairman Jay Shah went to a Hanuman temple near the stadium to seek the blessings and took the trophy along.

Speaking to the reporters on Tuesday, Kirti questioned the move, saying that a sportsperson or sport does not belong to any religion or caste.

Kirti Azad had said, "140 crore people were excited when Team India, which includes people from all religions, won. A sportsperson or sports does not belong to any religion or caste but only to the sport. As a sportsperson, I say Team India made India victorious. Team India won, and this is a matter of pride for the people of India."

As India's head coach, Gambhir now has titles at the Champions Trophy 2025, Asia Cup 2025, and the T20 World Cup 2026, alongside an Indian Premier League (IPL) title with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as a mentor. Having won the T20 World Cup, the 50-over World Cup, the Asia Cup and IPL during his playing days, the Delhi-born has carved out quite a heavy list of accomplishments for himself.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I understand Kirti Azad's point about sports being secular, visiting a place of worship for blessings is a deeply personal and cultural act for many Indians. The team's unity is what matters most, and they clearly have it.
R
Rohit P
What a phenomenal achievement! Defending the title at home is unreal. Gambhir's coaching legacy is being written in gold. As for the temple visit, it's a non-issue. Players from all faiths were part of the win, that's the real story.
S
Sarah B
Respectfully, I think Kirti Azad has a valid perspective. The trophy belongs to all Indians, of every faith. Taking it to a specific religious place, however well-intentioned, might not feel inclusive to every fan who cheered for Team India.
V
Vikram M
Gambhir's response was perfect. This is a time for celebration, not for creating unnecessary controversies. The team worked hard for this moment. Offering thanks at a Gurudwara or a temple is about faith, not politics. Well said, Coach!
K
Kavya N
From the Hanuman temple to the Gurudwara, it shows the diverse fabric of our country. The players and coach are expressing their gratitude in their own ways. That's the spirit of India. Let's not dilute this incredible victory with petty debates.

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