Khushboo Sundar on World Cup trophy being taken to temple: 'The trophy is for India'

In a direct response to the brewing social media storm, actor-politician Khushboo Sundar has come out in strong defense of the Indian cricket team’s recent spiritual celebrations. Speaking to IANS, Sundar addressed the criticism following India’s monumental World Cup victory over New Zealand on March 8, where players and officials were seen taking the trophy to a temple for a thanksgiving prayer. Sundar dismissed the controversy as "unnecessary," stating that personal faith and national pride have always co-existed in Indian sports.The actress added that it should be seen as a moment of pride for India rather than through the lens of religion."I don't know why one needs to speak more about their thoughts than about winning the trophy. You thank Allah, Thank Bhagwan, it thank Jesus for winning the trophy. You should infact just also bow to God in gratitude that our Indian team has won the trophy again," said Khushboo. She added, "I don't think there is anything wrong if you go to a temple or church with the trophy. When Sanju Samson won, he sat down and prayed by doing the cross sign on his heart. I respect him and bow to him. That reflects his thoughts as a cricketer." "When we won the trophy, our captain Surya Kumar took the soil from the ground and put it on his head. That may not be written in the Constitution, but it reflects our thoughts and emotions that states that as Indians, India come first."She further added, "Anyone can have their own religion. But the trophy that they have won is for India, for his country, for the nation. That is the biggest thing."The politician further said, "If people want to argue that someone went to a temple, mosque or church with the trophy, I would say their thinking is very small. The trophy is for India. It is a matter of pride for the country that we have the trophy."For the uninitiated, India won the ICC men's T20 World Cup on the 8th of March at a thrilling match against New Zealand.The match was held at the Narendra Modi stadium in Ahmedabad.See More: Khushbu defends Vijay and Trisha amid viral wedding reception appearance: 'Their personal life has nothing to do with people'