Former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) batsman Nitish Rana has strongly defended Indian cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir following Manoj Tiwary's recent criticism following the national team's embarrassing knock in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024- 25 against Australia.
The former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) batsman called Gautam Gambhir a “hypocrite” and slammed the coach for pushing India skipper Rohit Sharma to the fore to deal with all the issues. Tiwary further questioned Gambhir's success at KKR, suggesting that his PR game allowed him to take credit for the team's achievements.
Performance needs no PR: Nitish Rana slams Manoj Tiwary
Reacting to the controversial statement, Nitish Rana, who played with Gambhir in Delhi and KKR in the Indian Premier League (IPL), dismissed the claims by labeling them as Manoj Tiwary's insecurity. Rana highlighted Gambhir's positive influence, adding that the legendary cricketer's contributions to KKR's triumphs go beyond the limelight.
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Taking a dig at Manoj Tiwary, Nitish Rana posted on his X handle (formerly Twitter): “Criticism should be based on facts, not personal insecurities. Gauti bhaiyya is one of the most selfless players I have ever met. He takes responsibility in times of distress like no other. Performance doesn't need any PR. The trophies speak for themselves.”
Criticism should be based on facts, not personal insecurities. Gauti bhaiyya is one of the most selfless players I have ever met. He takes responsibility in times of distress like no other. Performance doesn't need any PR. The trophies speak for themselves.
— Nitish Rana (@NitishRana_27) January 9, 2025
Gautam Gambhir is a hypocrite: Manoj Tiwary
Manoj Tiwary has slammed both India bowling coach Morne Morkel and batting coach Abhishek Nayar, questioning their worth and accusing them of blindly going along with whatever head coach Gautam Gambhir says. He went on to label Gambhir as a “hypocrite”, claiming that the Indian head coach does not practice what he preaches.
Manoj Tiwary was quoted by News18 Bangla as saying, “What is the use of a bowling coach? Whatever the coach says, he will agree. Morne Morkel came from Lucknow Super Giants. Abhishek Nayar was at Kolkata Knight Riders with Gambhir and the Indian head coach has a comfort zone with him. Gautam Gambhir is a hypocrite. He doesn't do what he says. The captain is from Mumbai; Abhishek Nayar is from Mumbai. Rohit was pushed to the fore by them to take care of all the issues.”
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Manoj Tiwary says Gautam Gambhir did not single-handedly guide KKR to the IPL title
Additionally, Manoj Tiwary weighed in on the rumored tension between Gautam Gambhir and Rohit Sharma, questioning how they could work effectively together. Tiwary highlighted contrasting leadership experiences. Tiwary also said that Gambhir did not win the IPL titles alone as the entire team, including players like Jacques Kallis, Sunil Narine and himself, contributed to the success. Tiwary also pointed out that Gambhir has taken much of the credit for KKR's achievements.
Tiwary added, “How will they work together? Rohit is a World Cup winning captain. While Gambhir led KKR to IPL titles both as captain and mentor. Gambhir did not guide KKR to the title single handedly as we all performed as a unit. Jacques Kallis, Sunil Narine and all of us contributed to the cause. But who took the credit?”
Notably, India have lost six of the 10 Tests since Gautam Gambhir replaced Rahul Dravid as the head coach of the Indian cricket team. Under Gambhir's leadership, India lost an ODI series to Sri Lanka. Gambhir's next major challenge is the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.