The strained relationship between Gautam Gambhir and Manoj Tiwary has been widely discussed in cricketing circles. Tiwary has openly criticized Gambhir multiple times, accusing him of using abusive language and issuing threats. In a recent interview, Tiwary recounted an incident from their Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) days that nearly escalated into a physical altercation.
He revealed that a heated argument over his batting position at Eden Gardens was interrupted by then-bowling coach Wasim Akram, who diffused the situation. “He barged into the washroom and threatened me, saying, ‘Tujhe kabhi khilaunga nahi (I won’t let you play).’ Akram stepped in to calm things down; otherwise, it could have turned into a fight,” Tiwary recalled.
Verbal Spat on the Ranji Trophy Field
The animosity between the two players resurfaced during a 2015 Ranji Trophy match. According to Tiwary, Gambhir hurled abuses at him while fielding in the slips. “He used offensive language, including ‘maa-behen ki gaali,’ and threatened to confront me in the evening.
I told him, ‘Why wait for the evening? Let’s settle this now,’” Tiwary said. The confrontation escalated when Gambhir continued his verbal attacks, even pushing away an umpire who tried to intervene. Despite the umpires’ attempts to mediate, Tiwary claimed their efforts were ineffective as they feared Gambhir’s influence as a prominent player.
Tiwary’s Perspective on Gambhir’s Behavior
Reflecting on the conflicts, Tiwary suggested that Gambhir’s behavior stemmed from personal insecurities. “When a new player gains recognition, it can lead to resentment. Perhaps that’s why he was angry with me. If I had a PR team, maybe I could have been India’s captain,” Tiwary speculated.
He also expressed disappointment over the lack of accountability for Gambhir’s actions on and off the field, highlighting the challenges faced by players in such situations. Despite their contentious history, Tiwary’s candid revelations shed light on the intense dynamics of professional cricket and the personal rivalries that sometimes overshadow the game.
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