‘Always First To Be Blamed’: Tharoor’s Shout-Out To Gambhir, Selectors After Asia Cup Win

Last Updated:September 29, 2025, 11:08 IST

Shashi Tharoor praised coach Gautam Gambhir and selectors after India’s Asia Cup win over Pakistan, while the team refused to accept the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi.

As chairperson of the powerful Parliamentary Standing Committee for Foreign Affairs, Tharoor knows that every bit of advocacy matters at a time when India is being buffeted by stormy trade winds emanating from Donald Trump’s Oval Office. File pic/PTI

As India celebrated its thrilling victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup final on Sunday night, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor took to X to highlight the often-overlooked contributions behind the scenes.

In a post lauding the team’s preparation, Tharoor wrote, “As we rejoice at the thrilling victory in the #AsiaCup final last night, let us also pay tribute to the oft-maligned coach, @GautamGambhir, and the selectors, who picked the perfect team for the tournament. They are always the first to be blamed when things go wrong, but let’s salute them for getting pretty much everything right this time.”

Tharoor’s message drew attention to the critical role of coach Gautam Gambhir and the selectors, whose careful planning and strategic decisions were widely credited with India’s dominant performance throughout the tournament.

From assembling a balanced squad to key tactical calls on the field, their efforts helped India secure a historic win that captivated cricket fans nationwide.

India’s national team delivered a thrilling performance, with Jasprit Bumrah’s viral “aeroplane” gesture against Haris Rauf and Tilak Varma’s unbeaten half-century capturing hearts across the country.

Across the country, streets, stadiums, and homes were filled with cheers, flags, and jubilation as India won the Asia Cup, proving once again that cricket has the power to unite millions, regardless of political divides.

India Refuse To Take Trophy From Moshin Naqvi

The Indian cricket team refused to collect the 2025 Asia Cup trophy on Sunday. This unprecedented step was apparently taken because the trophy was supposed to be handed over by Mohsin Naqvi, who is not only the chairman of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) but also the chief of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Minister of Interior for Pakistan.

A tense standoff held up the start of the presentation ceremony, with Naqvi remaining on stage alongside other dignitaries for over an hour while the Indian team waited nearby and Pakistani players stayed in their dressing room.

According to reports, the Indians were informed that Naqvi would hand over the trophy, but they refused, saying they did not want to interact with him.

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