Former Indian cricketer Manoj Tiwary has recently been at the center of controversy following his candid remarks about Team India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir. Tiwary’s outspoken comments have sparked a heated debate within the cricketing community, leading him to clarify his position and defend his statements.
In a recent interview, Tiwary expressed his frustration with the prevailing public relations (PR) dynamics in Indian cricket. He stated, “I have said nothing wrong. This is PR which I am talking about. That never used to happen. When something or someone speaks the facts, people come up defending the individual, but they don’t know me. I only speak on facts.”
Tiwary’s comments were directed at the perceived PR machinery that he believes shields certain individuals from criticism. He emphasized his commitment to speaking the truth, regardless of the consequences. This stance has led to a polarized response from the cricketing fraternity.
In his critique, Tiwary questioned the selection decisions made under Gambhir’s leadership, particularly highlighting the inclusion of players like Harshit Rana and Nitish Rana. He alleged that these selections were influenced by personal biases and PR considerations rather than merit.
Tiwary also revisited a past altercation with Gambhir during a Ranji Trophy match in 2015, where he claimed Gambhir had used inappropriate language and disrespected former captain Sourav Ganguly. He suggested that such behavior was protected by certain individuals within the cricketing establishment, further fueling his criticism of the existing PR dynamics.
In response to Tiwary’s allegations, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) players Harshit Rana and Nitish Rana have publicly defended Gambhir. Harshit Rana described Tiwary’s comments as stemming from “personal insecurities,” praising Gambhir for his selflessness and support for players. Nitish Rana echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that performance speaks for itself and does not require PR.
The exchange between Tiwary and Gambhir, along with the subsequent reactions from other players, highlights the underlying tensions within Indian cricket. It underscores the challenges of balancing personal opinions, team dynamics, and the influence of PR in the sport.