Former India cricketer Manoj Tiwary has criticised head coach Gautam Gambhir, saying that he has created an atmosphere where senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were forced to leave the team. Tiwary believes Gambhir’s actions are not good for Indian cricket.
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His comments come after the retirements of three senior players Ravichandran Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli. Ashwin retired from international cricket during India’s tour of Australia last year, while Rohit and Kohli announced their Test retirements in May 2025, just before the England tour.
Speaking to InsideSport, Tiwary said that Gambhir did not want senior players around who could question his decisions. He claimed that Gambhir made sure these experienced cricketers were not part of the team environment.
“If players like Ashwin, Rohit, or Virat are there, they have played a lot of cricket and have more experience than the coach or staff. They might raise questions if they disagree with something. So, to avoid that, he ensured they were not there,” Tiwary said.
He added that several controversies have happened since Gambhir became head coach. According to him, the constant changes in team selection and unexpected player choices are signs of inconsistency.
“I have seen that since this coach took charge, many controversies have come up. Ashwin, Rohit, and Virat have all retired during his time. Players are suddenly added to the squad and then straight into the playing XI. Things like this are not good for Indian cricket,” he said.
Tiwary also praised Rohit and Virat for their contribution to Indian cricket, saying they have been loyal and hardworking players who gave their all for the country.
“The atmosphere and pressure around them were not right. Rohit and Virat have served Indian cricket with full dedication. They have taken Indian cricket to great heights and always given their best,” he said.
Tiwary, who is 39 years old, also said it would be a poor decision if Gambhir doesn’t include Rohit and Virat in plans for the 2027 World Cup.
“If these players feel they are no longer wanted or that their image is being affected, they might decide to retire. But I believe they still want to play. In white-ball cricket, no one can deny that Rohit and Virat are outstanding players. It would be a really poor decision if Gambhir does not include them in the World Cup plans,” Tiwary added.