Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir found himself in hot water after posting a promotional message on social media just before the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final. With India gearing up to face New Zealand in the much-anticipated showdown, Gambhir shared a post promoting a fantasy cricket app, urging fans to predict the match outcome.
The timing of the post did not sit well with many fans, who flooded the comments section, questioning whether his involvement with the app posed a conflict of interest. Critics argued that as the national team’s head coach, endorsing a fantasy sports platform during such a crucial event was inappropriate.
Fans Question Conflict of Interest
Gambhir’s post, which read, “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!” sparked controversy online. Social media users voiced their concerns, stating that a coach promoting a betting-like platform while being part of a major ICC event was ethically questionable.
Kya RO-KO ki jodi Bharat🇮🇳 ko ek aur Champions ODI trophy jeeta paayegi?🤔
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) March 9, 2025
Real11 par Trade karo. Aise hi aur sawalo ke jawab Yes✅/❌No mein do aur dheero inaam jeeto!💸#CricketX #Real11 #INDvsNZ @Real11official
Download Link – https://t.co/jFv1ZXcBhp
Signup Code- GAMBHIR &… pic.twitter.com/AXtvOtZwZi
The debate over conflict of interest quickly gained traction, with some calling for an explanation from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Many pointed out that figures in such influential roles should maintain neutrality, especially during tournaments of this magnitude.
Gambhir’s Impact on India’s Journey
Despite the controversy, Gambhir’s strategic decisions have been instrumental in India’s journey to the Champions Trophy final. Initially criticized for selecting five spinners for the Dubai conditions, his gamble has paid off, playing a crucial role in India’s success.
One of his most notable moves was backing Varun Chakravarthy, a relatively inexperienced ODI player, who has emerged as a key performer in the tournament. As India prepared to take on New Zealand in the final, all eyes were on how Gambhir’s tactical choices would shape the outcome. However, the social media storm surrounding his promotional post added an unexpected distraction ahead of the crucial match.
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