Indian cricket has entered a new chapter, but not without noise. Former India cricketer Manoj Tiwary has sparked a fresh controversy by openly criticising current head coach Gautam Gambhir, alleging that his influence and team environment may have played a role in the Test retirements of senior players Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin.
In a recent interview with InsideSport, Tiwary didn’t hold back. He claimed that the atmosphere created under Gambhir’s leadership has become uncomfortable for experienced players – so much so that they might have felt unwanted or pushed aside.
“If Ashwin, Rohit, and Virat are there, they will question things if they don’t agree. These guys have played more cricket than the head coach or other staff. So you just made sure they are not there, basically,” Tiwary said, implying that decisions were being made to avoid accountability or challenges from senior voices.
Tiwary further pointed out how controversies have only increased since Gambhir took over the head coach role. He suggested that selection decisions, including players being added to the squad and immediately slotted into the playing XI, have lacked consistency and transparency.
“I have observed that since this coach came in, many things are happening that are not good for Indian cricket. Ashwin retired. Rohit and Virat followed. Something is not right,” he added.
He also expressed deep respect for the contribution of Rohit and Virat, saying they’ve given their heart and soul to Indian cricket, and deserved a better send-off – not one clouded by internal pressure or perception that they were no longer welcome in the dressing room.
“If these players feel things are affecting their image and they are no longer wanted, they might choose to retire. But I believe they still want to play,” said Tiwary. “It would be a really poor decision if Gambhir doesn’t include these two in white-ball cricket. No one can deny their impact.”
Tiwary’s comments have stirred debate among fans and experts. While some support the transition to a younger team, others believe experienced players like Rohit and Virat still have much to offer, especially with the ICC tournaments approaching.
Whether these retirements were personal decisions or triggered by the changing team culture is something only time and perhaps the players themselves will reveal. But one thing is clear: the conversation around Indian cricket’s future is far from quiet.
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