India team head coach Gautam Gambhir was at the center of controversy on the eve of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final against New Zealand. Gautam Gambhir was criticized by fans on social media for endorsing a fantasy cricket app just before India’s crucial match in Dubai on Sunday.
As anticipation grew for the final show, Gambhir posted a promotional message asking fans to guess the match winner and join a fantasy cricket league. But a majority of fans raised questions about the morality of the Indian team’s head coach promoting a fantasy sports website while being part of the tournament.
Gautam Gambhir Post Triggers Online Debate
The post was: “Kya RO-KO ki jodi Bharat ko ek aur Champions ODI trophy jeeta paayegi? Real11 par Trade karo. Aise hi aur sawalo ke jawab Yes/No mein do aur dheero inaam jeeto!”
Fans promptly filled the comments section, expressing concerns about a potential ‘conflict of interest.’ Several indicated that Gautam Gambhir connection to a fantasy cricket site while being the coach of the national team could be a cause for concern on ethical grounds.
Gambhir’s Strategic Choices Take India to the Final
Despite criticisms online, Gambhir’s role in India’s Champions Trophy mission has been indefensible. His strategic choices, most notably his aggressive decision to add five specialist spinners in India’s roster for Dubai, have been responsible for the team’s march towards the final.
Initially met with skepticism, this spin-heavy approach has paid off, with Indian spinners dominating opposition batting line-ups throughout the tournament. One of the most important decisions was supporting Varun Chakaravarthy, who had limited experience in ODIs. The Kolkata Knight Riders spinner has proved to be a game-changer and will likely have an important role to play in India’s title match against New Zealand.
As the last stand is on, Gambhir’s captaincy and strategic thinking will be in the limelight. Whether the fantasy cricket row disturbs his concentration or not, for the moment, his mission will be to lead India to another Champions Trophy victory.