Published Mar 6, 2025, 2:34 pm IST
The Indian head coach, Gautam Gambhir, has found himself at the center of controversy after firing back at critics who suggested that India had an "undeniable advantage" in the Champions Trophy thanks to the fact that all their matches are in Dubai. Gambhir was speaking in the post-match press conference after India's win over Australia when he elaborated vehemently on the critics' comments that sparked a backlash from South Africa, to which the media called, among others, his rebuttal "arrogant.".
With the criticisms brazenly leveled against the team, Gambhir held nothing back. "Some people are just perpetual cribbers, man. They've got to grow up," he shot back, silencing the allegations. He also discarded the idea of there being any kind of an advantage to be had, claiming not even the Indian team had practiced at the venue of the tournament.
"What undue advantage? We haven't practiced here even a day. We practice at ICC Academy, and the conditions here and there are 180 degrees different," he explained.
Sections of South African media did not take Gambhir's outspoken remarks in good faith and accused him of having an overly defensive and dismissive attitude. Some reports labeled his remarks as arrogant and maintained he failed to acknowledge the concern over the timing and venues of the tournament.
Gautam Gambhir Targeted By South Africa Media With 'Hollow Victory' Jibe: "Cringe-Worthy..."https://t.co/V8HENX12K9 pic.twitter.com/NB2HbTsK9h
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This heated argument has made cricket fans and analysts fall out of favor with one another. Most of them are coming in favor of Gambhir. His team played well and was given a stern reply to the people against it; bad comments according to the few people.
As the Champions Trophy matures, this debate will likely intensify the already charged atmosphere of the competition. Gambhir may or may not speak any further words. He may just let his team's action do the talking
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