‘Gautam Gambhir is a Hypocrite’: Manoj Tiwary Criticizes India Head Coach After BGT Loss

Former India batter Manoj Tiwary has strongly criticized India head coach Gautam Gambhir following the team’s failure in the Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), labeling him a “hypocrite” and accusing him of not practicing what he preaches.

“Gautam Gambhir is a hypocrite. He doesn’t do what he says. Where is the captain (Rohit) from? Mumbai. Where is Abhishek Nayar from? Mumbai. They took the opportunity to promote a Mumbai player. Meanwhile, no one speaks for Jalaj Saxena. He performs consistently but remains silent,” Tiwary told News18 Bangla.

He also alleged favoritism in team selections, stating, “Morne Morkel came from Lucknow Super Giants. Abhishek Nayar was with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) alongside Gambhir. The coach is in a comfort zone with these individuals, and they are expected to be ‘yes men.’ That’s why they were brought in.”

Tiwary further downplayed Gambhir’s role in KKR’s 2012 IPL title win, emphasizing the team’s collective efforts. “Gambhir didn’t win the title single-handedly. We all contributed—Jacques Kallis, Manvinder Bisla, and I performed with the bat, while Sunil Narine bowled brilliantly. That’s why we won. But who got the credit? Gambhir. There’s a PR environment that ensures he takes all the praise,” Tiwary said.

Gambhir has faced mounting criticism since India’s BGT loss to Australia, ending a 10-year streak. Questions have also been raised about his coaching abilities following India’s 3-0 home defeat to New Zealand and an ODI series loss against Sri Lanka.