Former India player Manoj Tiwary has made an explosive revelation about the retirement of talisman Ravichandran Ashwin during the recently concluded Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). Ashwin had announced his retirement in the middle of BGT, after the conclusion of the third Test. However, given the sudden nature of the decision and the timing, speculation was rife that Ashwin was somehow forced into making the decision.

Now, Tiwary has shed light on the matter by claiming that Ashwin was “insulted” by the Gautam Gambhir-led Indian leadership. Notably, the former Bengal captain also called Gambhir a “hypocrite” in a separate interview.

Coming back to Ashwin, Tiwary opined that the veteran spinner felt insulted that the Indian management kept bringing in new spinners in local conditions, despite their presence in the team.

Tiwary told PTI: “Ashwin was insulted. Look at players like Washington Sundar and Tanush Kotian… all of them are quality spinners and performed well in first-class cricket.”

He added: “But when you have a player of Ashwin’s caliber, what is the need to bring Washington into the home series where Ashwin is, Jadeja and Kuldeep, and have him bowl more overs than Ashwin? . Isn’t that an insult to Ashwin?

Manoj Tiwary defends calling Gautam Gambhir a hypocrite

Gautam Gambhir and Manoj Tiwary share a history that goes back years. From playing together for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) to clashing during a Ranji Trophy match in 2015, the two have experienced both camaraderie and conflict.

Currently, Gambhir, who serves as India’s head coach, is under fire for the team’s disappointing performance in Test matches.

ALSO READ: ‘He doesn’t do what he says’: Former India player slams Gautam Gambhir for ‘hypocrisy’ after BGT loss

Responding to the criticism, Tiwary called Gambhir a “hypocrite”, referring to an earlier interview in which the former India opener had expressed his opposition to India hiring foreign coaches. Tiwary pointed out the inconsistency between Gambhir’s statements and his actions as Gambhir brought in Ryan ten Doeschate and Morne Morkel as assistant and bowling coach respectively.

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