Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh has strongly criticised fellow World Cup-winning cricketer Kirti Azad over his comments regarding the Indian team’s T20 World Cup 2026 victory celebrations.

The controversy erupted after members of the Indian team visited a Hanuman temple to offer prayers with the World Cup trophy, a gesture that Azad publicly questioned on social media.

Harbhajan described Azad’s remarks as “absurd” and urged him to celebrate India’s success instead of creating controversy.

Temple Visit After T20 World Cup Victory

Following India’s triumph in the T20 World Cup 2026, captain Suryakumar Yadav, along with head coach and ICC chairman Jay Shah, visited a nearby Hanuman Mandir to offer prayers.

The visit was seen as a personal expression of faith and gratitude after the team secured the global title.

Many players and officials often perform religious rituals or visit places of worship after major sporting achievements as a way of seeking blessings or expressing gratitude.

Kirti Azad’s Controversial Remarks

However, the temple visit sparked debate after former India cricketer and politician Kirti Azad criticised the move.

Azad questioned why the trophy was taken only to a temple and suggested that it should also be taken to other places of worship such as a mosque, church or gurudwara, arguing that the victory belonged to all Indians.

His remarks quickly went viral on social media and drew mixed reactions from cricket fans and analysts.

Some supported his argument about inclusivity, while others criticised him for turning a celebratory moment into a political debate.

Ishan Kishan Responds Briefly

Indian cricketer Ishan Kishan was asked about the controversy during an interaction with journalists.

Kishan chose not to engage deeply with the issue and instead brushed aside the question, urging reporters to focus on more meaningful topics.

His brief response suggested that the players preferred to keep the focus on the team’s achievement rather than the controversy.

Harbhajan Singh’s Strong Reaction

Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh later reacted strongly to Azad’s remarks.

Speaking to ANI, Harbhajan said that questioning the team’s decision to visit a temple after winning the World Cup was unnecessary.

“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 to,” Harbhajan said.

He added that if players had prayed for success and later returned to thank their deity after achieving their goal, there should be no objection to that.

‘Celebrate the Victory Instead’

Harbhajan also expressed disappointment that such comments were coming from a fellow cricketer who had represented India on the global stage.

According to him, the focus should remain on celebrating the country’s victory rather than creating unnecessary controversy.

“It is unfortunate to hear these things from fellow cricketers. Maybe they are preferring politics over sport,” he said.

He further emphasised that all religions ultimately promote similar values, and the choice of where to pray should be respected.

Faith and Personal Beliefs

Harbhajan stressed that visiting a place of worship is a matter of personal faith.

He said that whether players choose to visit a temple, mosque, church or any other religious place, it should not be subject to criticism.

“We say in our faith that all religions are the same. There may be different Gods, but the path is the same,” he added.

According to him, questioning someone’s religious practice after a moment of national pride is unnecessary and divisive.

Social Media Debate

The controversy has sparked widespread discussion on social media, with fans expressing differing opinions.

Some users supported Harbhajan Singh’s view that the players have the freedom to express their faith.

Others echoed Azad’s argument that national victories should be celebrated in ways that represent the diversity of the country.

Despite the debate, many fans have urged everyone involved to focus on the historic achievement of winning the T20 World Cup.

India’s Historic T20 World Cup Triumph

India’s victory in the T20 World Cup 2026 marked a major moment for the national team.

Under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav, the team delivered consistent performances throughout the tournament and ultimately secured the title.

The triumph was widely celebrated across the country, with fans and former cricketers praising the team’s effort and determination.

Conclusion

The debate surrounding Kirti Azad’s remarks and Harbhajan Singh’s response has highlighted how even celebratory moments in sports can sometimes trigger broader discussions.

While Azad questioned the symbolism of the temple visit, Harbhajan Singh defended the players’ right to express their faith freely.

As the discussion continues, many within the cricketing community believe that the focus should remain on India’s remarkable achievement in winning the T20 World Cup 2026.

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