In a fiery exchange that has captured the attention of cricket fans across India, Gautam Gambhir, the head coach of the Indian cricket team, has responded sharply to comments made by legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar regarding the distribution of prize money following India's recent victory in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The tournament concluded with India defeating New Zealand in the final held in Dubai, earning the team a substantial prize of INR 58 crores from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Gavaskar, in his column for Sportstar, questioned whether Gambhir would emulate his predecessor, Rahul Dravid, who had famously declined an additional INR 2.5 crores after the T20 World Cup win in 2024. Dravid had opted to share the bonus equally among his support staff, earning him accolades for his team-first mentality. In contrast, Gambhir's approach to the Champions Trophy prize money remained ambiguous, prompting Gavaskar's critique.
At the ABP News ‘India At 2047’ Summit held on May 6, 2025, Gambhir did not hold back in his rebuttal. He remarked, "There are some people who have been sitting in the commentary box for 20-25 years. They questioned everything I did. They think that Indian cricket is their property. Unfortunately, Indian cricket is not someone’s property. It is the identity of 140 crore Indians and it will remain that way." This statement underscores Gambhir's frustration with persistent scrutiny from veteran commentators.
Gambhir's tenure as coach has been described as a rollercoaster ride, with the team experiencing both highs and lows. After a disheartening series of losses, including a historic ODI series defeat to Sri Lanka—the first in 27 years—and a 3-0 whitewash against New Zealand on home soil, the pressure has been mounting on the young coach. Despite these setbacks, India's triumph in the Champions Trophy has somewhat alleviated the criticism directed at him.
Reflecting on the nature of criticism, Gambhir stated, "When I took up this job of being the head coach of 140 crore Indians, I knew that when you get judged every day on the performance of the team, there will always be criticism, there will always be appreciation. And it will never happen that the graph goes up in the same way." His acknowledgment of the fluctuating nature of coaching success highlights his awareness of the challenges that come with the role.
Furthermore, Gambhir emphasized his commitment to Indian cricket and its fans, saying, "I want to be a coach for that 10 or 12-year-old kid who comes to watch the match in the sun and sits for 6 or 7 hours. If he can go back happily, if we can send him back happily, that is my responsibility." This dedication to nurturing the next generation of cricket fans resonates with many supporters who see him as a role model.
In response to Gavaskar's comments, Gambhir pointedly remarked, "I don’t need to tell this country where I left the money and where I invested it. But this country should know that such people have been working in the country as NRIs for so many years. They earn money from the country and take it abroad. I don't do security checks or immigration at 11:55." This comment reflects Gambhir's frustration with critics who question his integrity without understanding the complexities of his role.
As the Indian team prepares for its next challenge—a five-match Test series against England—the stakes are high for Gambhir. The results of this series will be critical in shaping the future of Indian cricket and determining Gambhir's long-term viability as head coach. With the weight of expectations on his shoulders, he will need to guide his team to success to solidify his position and quell ongoing doubts about his coaching capabilities.
In the world of cricket, where legends are made and broken in the blink of an eye, Gambhir's journey as head coach is just beginning. While his critics remain vocal, his supporters are hopeful that the recent Champions Trophy victory is just the start of a successful era for Indian cricket under his leadership. The upcoming series against England will undoubtedly serve as a litmus test for Gambhir, as he seeks to turn the tide in favor of his coaching legacy.
As the cricketing community watches closely, one thing is certain: Gautam Gambhir is determined to carve out his own path in the annals of Indian cricket, and he won't shy away from defending his decisions along the way.
