India vs NZ CT25 final: Gambhir faces backlash for fantasy app promotion amid RO-KO hype

Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir drew heavy flak on social media for endorsing a fantasy cricket app on his X handle. The tweet for Real 11 website stated, Kya RO-KO ki jodi Bharat ko ek aur Champions ODI trophy jeeta paayegi? Real11 par Trade karo. 

Gautam Gambhir, ex-BJP MP and current Team India coach, is promoting a gambling app on the day of the Champions Trophy final.

Millions of youth are in financial trouble due to gambling, yet he’s doing this for money. Hypocrisy at its peak!#INDvsNZ #ChampionsTrophyFinal pic.twitter.com/2vjf3SnFpK

— Chikku (@imChikku_) March 9, 2025

Champions Trophy Final against New Zealand

Gambhir, is in Dubai with Team India preparing for the Champions Trophy Final against New Zealand. This is not the first instance of Gambhir being criticized for such behavior. In October 2024, the former India opener was criticized for promoting an India vs Bangladesh match for the same betting app.

Can Gautam Gambhir's Team India defeat New Zealand?

Having already been a part of the ODI and T20I World Cup win as a player, Gambhir is looking to win his first world title as a coach. Team India have been in relentless form in the ICC Champions Trophy with victories in all the matches till date. The Men in Blue had defeated New Zealnd in the group stage and would look to do the double in the tournament and claim the trophy. Gambhir is praying that India plays ideal game in CHampions Trophy final. Before the buig game he stated, "We still have one more game to play. Hopefully, we can play a perfect game.