Indian cricketer Ishan Kishan has reacted strongly to former cricketer Kirti Azad’s criticism of Team India’s temple visit after their recent World Cup victory. The controversy began after Azad questioned why members of the team took the trophy to a temple, stating that the World Cup belongs to 1.4 billion Indians and should not be associated with any one religion.
Kirti Azad also pointed out that players had never taken the trophy to a mosque or a church, while criticising Suryakumar Yadav and BCCI secretary Jay Shah for visiting a temple in Ahmedabad with the trophy.
During a media interaction, a journalist asked Ishan Kishan about Azad’s remarks. Initially surprised, Kishan responded with “What?” When the question was repeated, the wicketkeeper-batter dismissed the criticism.
“We have won the World Cup, I expect good questions. Who is Kirti Azad? What Kirti Azad says does not matter,” Kishan said, making his stance clear on the controversy.
The debate has sparked mixed reactions on social media. While some people support the temple visit as a gesture of gratitude after a historic victory, others believe the trophy represents the entire nation and should remain separate from religious symbolism.
Despite the ongoing debate, Team India’s World Cup triumph remains a historic moment celebrated by millions of fans across the country.