Gautam Gambhir's unfiltered dig at Sunil Gavaskar; 'I don't need to tell this country where I am using my money…'

Gautam Gambhir minced no words as the Indian head coach took an indirect dig at legendary Sunil Gavaskar, stating “those living in Glass Houses shouldn't throw stones at others.” The 43-year-old also stated that he is not answerable to anyone as where he is using his money.

While the former India opener didn't name Gavaskar, his remarks certainly referred to the former captain, who had spoken against the southpaw even after Men in Blue's Champions Trophy triumph.

Speaking for the first time at a public event on Tuesday, after being appointed as the India head coach last year, Gambhir was unfiltered in his answer when asked how he handles criticism.

“Some people have made commentary box their personal fiefdom for 25 years. They have commented on my Concussion, on Champions Trophy prize money (distribution),” Gambhir said at an ABP event.

“Rather than questioning where I have given money, country should question those who have been NRIs, check-in at immigration at 11:55 pm and stay 180 days abroad for retaining NRI status. Those living in Glass Houses shouldn't throw stones at others. I don't need to tell this country where I am using my money,” said the former BJP MP.

The money issue stemmed from Gavaskar's remarks after the ICC Champions Trophy when he asked whether Gambhir would follow Rahul Dravid's (previous India coach) footsteps. For the unknown, Dravid had refused the additional ₹2.5 crore prize money after Rohit Sharma's men won the T20 World Cup in 2024.

What was Gavaskar's comment on Gambhir?

Instead, Dravid opted for the equal share as the rest of his support staff. Following India's Champions Trophy triumph beating New Zealand in the final in Dubai, the BCCI announced a prize money of ₹58 crore for the entire Men in Blue.

"After the ICC T20 World Cup win and the Board announcement of prize money, the then-coach Rahul Dravid, ever the team man, refused to accept more than his fellow members of the coaching staff and, in fact, shared it equally with his colleagues," Gavaskar had written in his column for Sportstar.

"It’s been a fortnight since the BCCI announced the Champions Trophy rewards, but we haven’t heard anything from the current coach on whether he will also do a Dravid. Or is it that Dravid, in this instance, is not a good role model?" added the legendary batter.