The long-standing tensions between former cricketers Manoj Tiwary and Gautam Gambhir have resurfaced, with Tiwary sharing details of past confrontations during his playing career. In a recent interview with Lallantop, Tiwary accused Gambhir, now the Indian cricket team head coach, of using “abuse and threat” during their interactions, both on and off the field.
KKR Days: Heated Argument at Eden Gardens
Recalling an incident during their time with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Tiwary narrated how a disagreement over his batting position almost escalated into a physical altercation.
“A fiery debate erupted over my batting position at Eden Gardens. I went to the washroom, upset, and he barged in. He said, ‘This attitude won’t work. Tujhe kabhi khilaunga nahi (I won’t give you a game).’ He was threatening me. I confronted him, and things got intense. Thankfully, Wasim Akram, our bowling coach, intervened and calmed things down, or else it could have turned physical,” Tiwary shared.
Tiwary also hinted that a lack of a PR team might have cost him bigger opportunities in Indian cricket, including the captaincy.
Ranji Trophy Spat in 2015
The friction between the two players extended beyond the IPL. During a 2015 Ranji Trophy match, Tiwary accused Gambhir of hurling abuses from the slips while he was taking guard at the crease.
“He was abusing me with maa-behen ki gaali (abusing my family) and then said, ‘Shaam ko mil, main tujhe maarta hoon (Meet me in the evening, I’ll thrash you).’ I told him, ‘Why wait till evening? Let’s settle it now.’ I stood my ground,” said Tiwary.
The situation worsened when Gambhir allegedly pushed the umpire aside and continued his verbal tirade.
“Even the umpire couldn’t stop him. Gambhir is a significant figure, and the umpires seemed intimidated by his influence,” Tiwary remarked.
A History of Conflict
The rivalry between Tiwary and Gambhir has been well-documented over the years, with several public exchanges and spats. This latest revelation adds more layers to the friction, highlighting how differences in personality and approach contributed to their strained relationship.
Looking Ahead
While Gambhir has transitioned to a high-profile role as head coach of the Indian cricket team, Tiwary’s remarks bring attention to the challenges of player dynamics in high-stakes environments. Whether these incidents remain a topic of personal grievance or spark broader discussions about leadership styles and interpersonal relationships in cricket, only time will tell.
