Nitish Rana hits back at Manoj Tiwary for criticizing Gautam Gambhir after BGT 2024-25 loss

Former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) player Nitish Rana has strongly defended Indian cricket team coach Gautam Gambhir following Manoj Tiwary’s recent criticism following the national team’s embarrassing performance in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.

The former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) batsman had called Gautam Gambhir a “hypocrite” and slammed the coach for pushing Indian skipper Rohit Sharma into the limelight to address all the issues. Additionally, Tiwary had questioned Gambhir’s success at KKR, implying that his PR game allowed him to take credit for the team’s achievements.

Performance needs no PR: Nitish Rana hits Manoj Tiwary

Reacting to the controversial statement, Nitish Rana, who played with Gambhir in Delhi and KKR in the Indian Premier League (IPL), rubbished these allegations terming them Manoj Tiwary’s insecurities. Rana highlighted Gambhir’s positive influence, adding that the legendary cricketer’s contributions to KKR’s triumphs go beyond the limelight.

Also Read: Virat Kohli’s ban comes from England after the Sam Konstas tainted episode

Taking a swipe at Manoj Tiwary, Nitish Rana posted on his X handle (formerly Twitter): “Criticism should be based on facts and not on personal insecurities. Gauti bhaiyya is one of the most selfless players I have met. He takes responsibility in times of distress like no one else. Performance doesn’t need PR. The trophies speak for themselves.”

Criticism should be based on facts and not personal insecurities. Gauti bhaiyya is one of the most selfless players I have met. He takes responsibility in times of distress like no one else. Performance doesn’t need PR. The trophies speak for themselves.

— Nitish Rana (@NitishRana_27) January 9, 2025

Gautam Gambhir is an actor: 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 call Gambhir a “hypocrite”, claiming that the Indian coach does not practice what he preaches.

Manoj Tiwary 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. It doesn’t do what it says. The captain is from Mumbai. Abhishek Nayar is from Mumbai. Rohit has been pushed to the fore by them to address all the issues.”

Also Read: Virat Kohli-Rohit Sharma detractors taken to the cleaners in recent blast

Manoj Tiwary says Gautam Gambhir didn’t lead KKR to the IPL title single-handedly

Additionally, Manoj Tiwary addressed the rumored tension between Gautam Gambhir and Rohit Sharma, questioning how they could work together effectively. Tiwary highlighted contrasting experiences of leadership. 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 achievements.

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 lead KKR to the title single handedly as we all played as a unit. Jacques Kallis, Sunil Narine and I all contributed to the cause. But who got the credit?’

It is worth noting that 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.