Earlier this year, India head coach Gautam Gambhir was under severe scrutiny for the team’s poor show, especially in Test cricket.

However, the Rohit Sharma-led side performed exceptionally well in the Champions Trophy 2025, clinching the coveted title without losing a single match in Dubai. This triumph could prove to be the turning point in Gambhir’s coaching career going forward.

With the IPL 2025 currently underway, the Indian chief coach is enjoying his time off. On Tuesday (May 6), Gambhir responded strongly to criticism surrounding his coaching.

Gambhir asserted that his focus is on national pride and not pleasing certain commentators, who he believes treat Indian cricket as their personal domain.

“When I took up this job, I knew there would always be ups and downs. My job is to make the country proud, not please a few individuals sitting in air-conditioned commentary boxes.”

“Some people sitting in the commentary box for 25 years think Indian cricket is their family fiefdom. It’s not. It belongs to the people of India,” Gambhir said at the ABP India At 2047 Summit.

The head coach also addressed criticism about his prize money from the Champions Trophy 2025 triumph.

“They even questioned my prize money. These NRIs make money from India but become NRIs to save tax,” he added sharply.

In the aftermath of India’s Champions Trophy win, the BCCI announced a cash prize of Rs 58 crore for the entire squad, with the players and head coach Gambhir to receive Rs 3 crore each. The assistant coaches and support staff were supposed to get Rs 50 lakh each.

Subsequently, batting legend Sunil Gavaskar wondered whether Gambhir will be following the example of his predecessor - Rahul Dravid - in refusing to take more amount than his support staff.

Notably, Dravid opted to take an equal share of the cash reward as the rest of his support staff following India's T20 World Cup victory last year.

Gautam Gambhir emphasized his commitment to building a fearless team, prioritizing accountability and nationalism over personal gain.

“I’m not a coach of any cozy club or lobby. I don’t believe in playing politics. I’m here to build a team that plays fearlessly and with pride,” Gambhir stated.

“Commentators should realise – cricket kisi ki jaagir nahi hai (cricket is not anyone’s private property). These people go abroad and become NRIs. I will stay in India and pay my taxes here,” he concluded.