India national cricket team wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan declined to comment on a political controversy sparked by former cricketer-turned-politician Kirti Azad regarding Team India taking the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 trophy to a temple following their victory. Kishan landed at Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport on Tuesday as celebrations continued across the country after India’s title-winning campaign. During an interaction with reporters, Kishan was asked about Azad’s criticism of the decision to take the T20 World Cup trophy to a Hanuman temple in Ahmedabad following India’s win.
The 26-year-old wicketkeeper-batter chose not to engage in the debate and instead urged journalists to focus on the team’s achievement. “I have just won such a wonderful World Cup, please ask a better questions. What can I say about what Kirti Azad said? Please ask some good questions. Tell me how it feels and how much fun it was,” Kishan said.
The controversy began after Azad questioned the decision by members of the Indian team management to take the trophy to a temple following the victory.
India captain Suryakumar Yadav, head coach Gautam Gambhir and Jay Shah visited a Hanuman temple in Ahmedabad with the trophy shortly after India defeated the New Zealand national cricket team in the final at Narendra Modi Stadium.
Azad later wrote on social media that the World Cup victory was a moment of pride for “1.4 billion Indians of every faith,” adding that sport represents the entire nation rather than any particular religion.
The left-handed batter played a key role in India’s campaign, scoring 317 runs in nine matches at an average of 35.22 and a strike rate of 193.29, including three half-centuries.
One of his standout performances came against Pakistan, where he scored 77 to help India secure a 61-run victory at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Kishan also contributed in the final against New Zealand with a quick 54 off 25 balls as India posted 255 for five, the highest total in a men’s T20 World Cup final.
India went on to defeat New Zealand by 96 runs to win the tournament and become the first team to successfully defend the men’s T20 World Cup title.