Former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) player Nitish Rana has strongly defended Indian cricket team coach Gautam Gambhir following the recent criticism leveled by Manoj Tiwari following the national team's embarrassing defeat in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.
The former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) player had called Gautam Gambhir a “hypocrite” and criticized the coach for pushing Indian skipper Rohit Sharma to the forefront to deal with all the issues. Furthermore, Tiwari questioned Gambhir's success at KKR, stating that his PR game allowed him to take credit for the team's achievements.
Performance doesn't need any PR: Nitish Rana slams Manoj Tiwari
Reacting to the controversial statement, Nitish Rana, who played with Gambhir at Delhi and KKR in the Indian Premier League (IPL), shot down the allegations by terming them as Manoj Tiwari's concerns. Rana stressed Gambhir's positive influence, adding that the legendary cricketer's contributions to KKR's victories go beyond the limelight.
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Criticizing Manoj Tiwari, Nitish Rana posted on his X account (formerly Twitter): “Criticism should be based on facts, not on personal insecurities. Gauti bhaiyya is one of the most selfless players I have ever met. He takes responsibility in times of adversity like no other. Performance doesn't need any PR. The accolades 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 in times of distress like no other. Performance doesn't need any PR. The awards speak for themselves.
– Nitish Rana (@NitishRana_27) January 9, 2025
Gautam Gambhir Hypocrite: Manoj Tiwari
Manoj Tiwari criticized both India's bowling coach, Morne Morkel, and batting coach, Abhishek Nayar, questioning their value and accusing them of blindly agreeing to everything head coach, Gautam Gambhir, says. He went on to call Gambhir a “hypocrite”, alleging that the Indian coach does not practice what he preaches.
Manoj Tiwari was quoted as saying 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 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 from Mumbai. Rohit has been pushed to the forefront by them to handle all the issues.
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Gautam Gambhir did not guide KKR to the IPL title single-handedly, says Manoj Tiwari
Moreover, Manoj Tiwari spoke about the rumored tension between Gautam Gambhir and Rohit Sharma, asking how they can work together effectively. Tiwari highlighted the contrasting driving experiences. Tiwari 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. Tiwari also pointed out that Gambhir took a lot of credit for KKR's achievements.
Tiwari added: “How will they work together? Rohit is the captain of the World Cup winning team. While Gambhir led KKR to IPL titles as a captain and mentor. Gambhir did not guide KKR to the title alone, as we all played as one unit. Jacques Kallis, Sunil Narine and I have all contributed to the cause. But who gets the credit?
Notably, India has lost six out of 10 Tests since Gautam Gambhir replaced Rahul Dravid as the head coach of the Indian cricket team. Under Gambhir's captaincy, India lost the ODI series to Sri Lanka. Gambhir's next major challenge is the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.
