India men’s cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir visited Gurudwara Shri Rakab Ganj Sahib on Thursday to offer prayers following India’s historic triumph in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The visit came just days after the Men in Blue secured a memorable title win that further strengthened their dominance in the shortest format of the game.
India created history by defeating the New Zealand national cricket team by a commanding 96 runs in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium. The victory was significant for multiple reasons. Not only did India claim a record third T20 World Cup title, but they also became the first team in history to successfully defend the trophy. Additionally, it marked the first time a host nation had managed to lift the T20 World Cup on home soil.
However, celebrations surrounding the victory sparked a debate after former Indian cricketer and Trinamool Congress MP Kirti Azad criticised the team leadership for taking the trophy to a temple soon after the final. The comments drew attention across the cricketing and political circles.
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Responding to the criticism, Gambhir dismissed the remarks and defended the team’s actions. In an interview with ANI, the India head coach emphasised that the moment belonged to the entire country and should be celebrated without unnecessary controversy.
“I think it’s not even worth answering that question,” Gautam Gambhir said. “It’s a massive moment for the entire country. When you make such statements, you only end up diluting the achievement of those 15 players who worked incredibly hard to win the World Cup. That is not fair to the boys or the team.”
#WATCH | Delhi: Head Coach of Team India, Gautam Gambhir, offers prayers at Gurudwara Shri Rakab Ganj Sahib
(Source: Office of Gautam Gambhir) pic.twitter.com/oRy5c22nw0
— ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2026
Shortly after the final in Ahmedabad, India captain Suryakumar Yadav, Gambhir and Jay Shah had visited a Hanuman temple near the stadium and took the trophy along while seeking blessings.
Azad later reiterated his viewpoint, saying sport should remain separate from religion or caste. According to him, the triumph belonged to all Indians regardless of background.
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Despite the controversy, Gambhir’s coaching tenure continues to gather remarkable success. Since taking charge, he has guided India to victories in the Asia Cup 2025, the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and the T20 World Cup 2026. The former opener had earlier won the Indian Premier League as a mentor with the Kolkata Knight Riders, adding another chapter to his already decorated cricket journey.
Having already lifted the T20 World Cup, ODI World Cup, Asia Cup and IPL during his playing career, Gambhir’s transition into coaching is quickly shaping into another successful phase of his cricket legacy.
