Kirti Azad Questions Team India’s Temple Visit with T20 World Cup Trophy
India’s World Cup victory celebrations sparked an online debate after captain Suryakumar Yadav and the team visited a Hanuman temple with the trophy.
India’s victory in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup led to huge celebrations across the country. After lifting the trophy at the Narendra Modi Stadium, the Indian cricket team celebrated the historic win in different ways. Fans across India celebrated the moment with great excitement as the team brought home another major world title.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a massive cash reward of Rs 131 crore for Team India to honour their achievement. The reward was meant to recognise the players and support staff for their outstanding performance throughout the tournament.
Sanju Samson played only 5 matches out of the 10 matches India played in the tournament. Despite playing fewer games, he delivered impressive performances and was declared the Player of the Tournament. His consistent batting and important contributions helped India at crucial moments during the competition.
Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah played a key role in the final against New Zealand national cricket team. Bumrah took four wickets in the final match and was awarded Player of the Match for his excellent bowling performance. Both Samson and Bumrah also received special cash rewards from the Indian team management for their outstanding efforts during the World Cup.
India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir also achieved a unique record with this victory. Across his career as a player, captain, mentor and coach, Gambhir has never lost a final. As a player, he was part of India’s victories in the ICC World Twenty20 and the ICC Cricket World Cup. Later, as mentor of Kolkata Knight Riders, he helped the team win the Indian Premier League titles in 2012, 2014 and 2024. Now, as head coach, he has added the 2026 T20 World Cup to his list of major final victories.
Soon after the win, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav, head coach Gautam Gambhir and Jay Shah were seen visiting a Hanuman temple inside the stadium with the World Cup trophy to offer prayers. Videos of them praying with the trophy quickly spread on social media. Many fans praised the gesture and said they appreciated how the captain chose to visit a temple instead of celebrating with alcohol or partying.
However, not everyone supported the move. Former Indian cricketer and Kirti Azad, who is now a leader of the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC), openly criticised it on social media. In a post on X, he wrote “SHAME ON TEAM INDIA”.
Azad reminded people of India’s famous victory in the 1983 Cricket World Cup under captain Kapil Dev. He said that after winning the World Cup in England, the team came directly to India and did not visit any temple or religious place.
He also pointed out that Mohammed Siraj did not take the trophy to a mosque and Sanju Samson did not take it to a church, even though both players contributed to India’s victory. According to Azad, a World Cup win belongs to the whole country and not to any particular religion.
His remarks have now started a debate online. Some people agree with his view that sports and religion should remain separate. Others believe that visiting a temple was simply a personal way for the players to express gratitude after such a historic win.
