Former Indian cricketer Manoj Tiwary utilized social media on Sunday to clarify his harsh critique of India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir, which had gained significant attention online. In an interview with News18 Bangla earlier this week, Tiwary referred to Gambhir as a "hypocrite" when prompted to comment on the former Indian opener following the team's 1-3 defeat to Australia in the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy series.

"Gautam Gambhir is a hypocrite. He does not practice what he preaches. Where is the captain (Rohit) from? Mumbai. Where is Abhishek Nayar from? Mumbai. They had the opportunity to promote a Mumbai player. No one advocates for Jalaj Saxena, who performs admirably yet remains silent," Tiwary stated.

The former Bengal captain also criticized the narrative surrounding Kolkata Knight Riders' IPL championship victory in 2012, asserting that it was not solely Gambhir's leadership that led KKR to the trophy, but rather a collaborative effort involving players like South African legend Jacques Kallis, Manvinder Bisla, and himself. He contended that social media and public relations allowed Gambhir to claim undue credit for KKR's inaugural IPL title.

"Jacques Kallis, Manvinder Bisla, and I contributed significantly with the bat, while Sunil Narine delivered an outstanding bowling performance. This is why we secured the first IPL title. However, who received the accolades? There exists a narrative and PR strategy that enables him [Gambhir] to take all the credit."

Tiwary clarifies 'hypocrite' remark

In light of Tiwary's statement gaining widespread attention, which elicited responses from Indian players such as Nitish Rana and Harshit Rana, who were mentored by Gambhir during their time at KKR last season, former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra remarked on his YouTube channel that he merely followed the prevailing sentiment and joined figures like Sunil Gavaskar and Sanjay Manjrekar in their criticism of Gambhir. In response, Tiwary took to X to share a video clarifying his position.

"I was at my coaching center, sitting there after practice when the local media approached me for an interview. We engaged in conversation for about 20-25 minutes, and as is often the case, the media tends to edit interviews upon returning to their offices, selecting only what they find convenient or necessary based on demand.

"There were two points made by Aakash bhai [Aakash Chopra]. I am quite certain he may not have viewed the entire 20-minute interview. The few lines that were highlighted may have been all he saw. I feel it is important to clarify this, Aakash bhai.

"I hold Aakash in high regard and appreciate his honest opinions. It is essential to address this matter. Aakash bhai mentioned, 'Manoj behti Ganga mein haath dho raha hai' (an idiom implying one is going with the flow), in reference to the criticisms directed at Gautam Gambhir by individuals like Sunil Gavaskar and Sanjay Manjrekar.

"This is not the case, Aakash bhai. I have no need to wash my hands in the flowing Ganga. The river is nearby, and I can wash my hands there whenever I choose, but I do not wish to do so. I was not influenced by the comments made by those individuals; I simply expressed my genuine feelings during the interview."

The seasoned Indian batter further expressed that in discussing KKR, he did not seek to claim credit for the title victory and lamented that despite having an international century to his name, he is often more recognized for his performances in the IPL.

Read Also: Tim Southee Admires Jasprit Bumrah: 'He’s the Best Bowler Across All Formats'

"Get the latest Bollywood entertainment news, trending celebrity news, latest celebrity news, new movie reviews, latest entertainment news, latest Bollywood news, and Bollywood celebrity fashion & style updates!"

HOW DID YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE? CHOOSE YOUR EMOTICON!