Former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) batsman Nitish Rana has strongly defended the Indian cricket team’s head coach Gautam Gambhir after Manoj Tiwary’s recent criticism following the national team’s embarrassing drubbing in the Border Trophy -Gavaskar 2024-25 against Australia.
The former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) batsman called Gautam Gambhir a “hypocrite” and criticized the coach for pushing Indian captain Rohit Sharma to the front to deal with all the problems. Furthermore, Tiwary had questioned Gambhir’s success at KKR, suggesting that his PR game allowed him to take credit for the team’s achievements.
Performance doesn’t need PR: Nitish Rana slams Manoj Tiwary
Reacting to the controversial statement, Nitish Rana, who played with Gambhir for Delhi and KKR in the Indian Premier League (IPL), rejected these claims as Manoj Tiwary’s insecurities. Rana emphasized Gambhir’s positive influence and added that the legendary cricketer’s contributions to KKR’s triumphs go beyond the limelight.
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Criticizing Manoj Tiwary, Nitish Rana posted on his X account (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 in times of distress like no other. Performance doesn’t need public relations. The trophies speak for themselves.”
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 in times of distress like no other. Performance doesn’t need public relations. The trophies speak for themselves.
– Nitish Rana (@NitishRana_27) jtonorthyoutorand 9, 2025
Gautam Gambhir is a hypocrite: Manoj Tiwary
Manoj Tiwary has criticized both India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel and batting coach Abhishek Nayar, questioning their worth and accusing them of blindly agreeing with 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 Tiwary was quoted by News18 Bangla: “What good is a bowling coach? Whatever the coach says, you will agree. Morne Morkel came from Lucknow Super Giants. Abhishek Nayar was in Kolkata Knight Riders with Gambhir, and the Indian head coach is comfortable 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 forefront to take care of all the issues.”
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Manoj Tiwary says Gautam Gambhir didn’t guide KKR to IPL title alone
Furthermore, Manoj Tiwary has weighed in on rumors of tension between Gautam Gambhir and Rohit Sharma, questioning how they could work together effectively. Tiwary highlighted the 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 achievements.
Tiwary had added: “How will they work together? Rohit is a World Cup winning captain. While Gambhir led KKR to IPL titles as captain and mentor. Gambhir did not guide KKR to the title alone as we all acted as a unit. Jacques Kallis, Sunil Narine and I contributed to the cause. But who took the credit?
Notably, India has lost six of the 10 Tests since Gautam Gambhir replaced Rahul Dravid as 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 the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.