It was a proud and emotional homecoming for Ishan Kishan. Fresh off a World Cup-winning campaign, the young wicketkeeper-batter landed in Patna to a hero’s welcome. Excited fans gathered in huge numbers just to see him, cheer for him and celebrate his achievement. Media personnel also surrounded him, hoping to get a few words about the historic victory.
But amid the celebrations, an unexpected question changed the mood.
Ishan Kishan was asked to react to remarks made by former cricketer and Trinamool Congress MP Kirti Azad. The 1983 World Cup winner had recently shared concerns on social media, saying that sports and sportspersons should not be linked to religion or caste. His post on X drew widespread attention and sparked debate, with some criticism directed at the current Indian team for visiting a temple after winning the T20 World Cup trophy.
Kirti Azad wrote, “SHAME ON TEAM INDIA! When we won the World Cup under Kapil Dev in 1983, we had Hindu Muslim Sikh and Christian in the team. We brought the trophy to our religious birth place our motherland India Bharat Hindustan, Why The Hell Is The Indian Cricket Trophy is being Dragged. Why NOT a Mosque? Why NOT a Church? Why NOT a Gurudwara? This Team Represents INDIA — not Surya Kumar Yadav’s or Jay Shah’s Family ! Siraj never paraded it at a Mosque. Sanju never took it to a Church. latter had a major part to play and was man of the tournament. The Trophy Belongs to 1.4 BILLION Indians of EVERY Faith — NOT ONE RELIGION’S VICTORY LAP!”
https://x.com/KirtiAzaad/status/2030979146701271128
When reporters brought up Kirti Azad’s comments, Ishan Kishan visibly looked annoyed. He made it clear that he wanted the focus to remain on the team’s achievement rather than controversy.
“Itna acha World Cup jeete hain, kitna acha saawal aap log kijye ga, yeh Kirti Azad kya bole isme main kya bolu,” Ishan Kishan was seen saying in a video. He then urged journalists to ask more meaningful questions about the victory, “Acha sawal kijye, kaisa maja aaya.”
When another reporter followed up by asking how much he enjoyed the win, Ishan Kishan responded with a lighter tone, “Yeh acha question hua, bekar question puch liye aap.”
Here is the video:
https://x.com/ANI/status/2031276797313298750
Click to watch this video directly on X
On the field, Ishan Kishan had plenty to celebrate. He finished the tournament as India’s second highest run-scorer, making 317 runs in nine matches, including three impressive half-centuries.
