Gambhir defends coaching role amid criticism over Champions Trophy prize money
India head coach Gautam Gambhir has delivered a strong rebuttal to ongoing criticism regarding his role and conduct as national team leader—remarks widely seen as aimed at Sunil Gavaskar. The comments come amid a simmering debate over Gambhir’s share of the ₹58 crore prize money awarded after India’s Champions Trophy victory.
Speaking at the ABP News ‘India At 2047’ Summit on Tuesday, Gambhir addressed his critics—especially those from the commentary box—and asserted that Indian cricket belongs to its 140 crore fans, not to individual voices.
“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,” said Gambhir.
He emphasized that Indian cricket is a national identity, not a personal asset: “Unfortunately, Indian cricket is not someone’s property. It is the identity of 140 crore Indians and it will remain that way.”
“I don’t need to explain where I invested the money”
Addressing allegations that he did not follow Rahul Dravid’s example by foregoing his share of the BCCI’s prize money, Gambhir defended his actions without directly naming Gavaskar.
“The prize money that I got in the Champions Trophy. I don’t need to tell this country where I left the money and where I invested it,” he stated, while also accusing unnamed critics of hypocrisy over their Non-Resident Indian (NRI) status.
“They earn money from the country and take it abroad. I will not become an NRI to save tax,” Gambhir said. “People who live in glass houses shouldn’t be throwing stones at other people’s homes.”
Gambhir says criticism comes with the job
Gambhir, who took over as India’s head coach just eight months ago, said he had anticipated scrutiny—especially following a mix of triumph in white-ball cricket and challenges in Test matches.
“I knew there would be criticism—and I’m fine with it,” he said. “There will always be ups and downs, which I was very well aware of.”
He reaffirmed that his mission is to make the country proud: “My job is to make the country proud with all the players, and that is going to stay till the last day of my coaching career.”
“I’m here for the fans, not the commentators”
Gambhir closed his remarks by drawing a clear line between his purpose and his critics. He emphasized that his responsibility is to the fans—not to commentators, broadcasters, or online pundits.
“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 we can send him back happily, that is my responsibility,” said Gambhir.
He added that he is not concerned with online chatter or media narratives: “Who says what on YouTube or in the commentary box, that is not my job. My job is not to prove them wrong or prove them right.”
As tensions between India’s cricket establishment and prominent voices from the commentary box continue, Gambhir’s bold defense signals a more assertive tone from within the national team leadership.
