Temple visit with T20 World Cup trophy sparks debate; Harbhajan responds

New Delhi: The Indian team defeated New Zealand in the final to win the T20 World Cup 2026. Following the Indian team's World Cup triumph, captain Suryakumar Yadav, along with coach Gautam Gambhir and Jay Shah, visited the Hanuman temple. TMC MP and former cricketer Kirti Azad objected to the captain's visit to the temple on social media, calling it a shameful act. Harbhajan Singh responded to Kirti Azad's statement, saying that sports and politics should be kept separate.

What did Harbhajan Singh say?

Former Indian spin bowler and AAP Rajya Sabha MP Harbhajan Singh said that such questions should not be raised about the Indian captain and coach visiting a temple, saying it was their faith. Bhajji said, "Don't listen to them. Look, keep sports and politics separate. It's your faith, go to the temple, go to the gurudwara, or anywhere. If they have gone anywhere, it's their wish."

Harbhajan said that it is Suryakumar Yadav and Gautam Gambhir's wish to go anywhere and no specific comment should be made on it. The former spinner said that if they have made a vow, they can go anywhere. Harbhajan said that this should not be questioned and that pulling legs every time is not right.

Kirti Azad raised questions

TMC MP Kirti Azad had said that players always play for their team, not for any religion. He said that people of many religions live in India and everyone is part of the team together. When India won the Cricket World Cup in 1983, the team also had players from different religions. Players and sports have no religion; they only play for their team. These players have brought pride to the country.

Regarding the issue of taking the trophy to the temple, he questioned what difference would remain between India and Pakistan if this were to happen. He stated that he himself is a Hindu, but he never associated religion with his playing career. He stated that art and sports have no religion, which is why he opposed it. He also stated that he himself used to visit the temple before and after every match, but that the country is secular, and therefore such things are not right.