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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 batting national team in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.
The former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) batsman had called Gautam Gambhir a “hypocrite” and hit out at the coach for pushing Indian skipper Rohit Sharma at the helm to deal with all the issues. Tiwary had also questioned Gambhir’s success at KKR, suggesting that his PR game allowed him to take credit for the team’s successes.
Performance needs no RP: Nitish Rana hits Manoj Tiwary
Reacting to the controversial statement, Nitish Rana, who played with Gambhir for Delhi and KKR in the Indian League (IPL), rubbished these claims terming them as Manoj Tiwary’s insecurities. Rana emphasized Gambhir’s positive influence, adding that the legendary cricketer’s contributions to KKR’s triumphs go beyond the limelight.
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Placing Manoj Tiwary, Nitish Rana posted on his X (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 like no other in times of distress. Performance needs no PR. The trophies speak for themselves.”
Criticism should be based on facts and not on personal insecurities. Gauti bhaiyya is one of the most selfless players I have ever met. He takes responsibility like no one else in times of distress. 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 the ‘head coach, Gautam Gambhir. He then called Gambhir a “hypocrite”, alleging that the Indian head coach does not practice what he preaches.
Manoj Tiwary was quoted by News18 Bangla, “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. He doesn’t do what he says; Abhishek Nayar is from Mumbai. Rohit has been pushed to the fore to deal with all the issues.”
Also Read: Virat Kohli-Rohit Sharma critics taken to the cleaners in recent blast
Manoj Tiwary says Gautam Gambhir did not guide KKR to the IPL title single-handedly
Also, Manoj Tiwary has weighed in on the rumored tension between Gautam Gambhir and Rohit Sharma, questioning how they could work together effectively. 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 took much of the credit for KKR’s successes.
Tiwary had 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 alone as all we acted as a unit. Jacques Kallis and I contributed to the cause. But who took the credit?”
Notably, India have lost six out of 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 big challenge is ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
