“No Experience in National Coaching,” Manoj Tiwary Slams Gautam Gambhir’s Role as Head Coach

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Cric News India

January 9, 2025 0 688

Manoj Tiwary criticized Gautam Gambhir’s performance as India’s head coach, claiming he lacks the experience for the role.

Former cricketer Manoj Tiwary criticized Gautam Gambhir’s performance as India’s head coach, questioning his suitability for the role. Tiwary believes Gambhir’s coaching expertise is better suited to IPL franchises, highlighting India’s poor results under his leadership.

Since Gambhir’s appointment, India has faced multiple setbacks, including their first ODI series loss in Sri Lanka in 27 years, a 0-3 home whitewash against New Zealand, and the loss of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after a decade.

“See, the results are there to be seen. Results don’t lie. Numbers don’t lie. The record speaks for itself,” Manoj Tiwary told PTI in an interview.

Tiwary then questioned the former captain’s methods and experience. He pointed out the contrast with Rahul Dravid’s tenure, emphasizing that the team has struggled to achieve consistency.

“He has not been able to carry on the good work which Rahul Dravid did. It will take a lot of time for him to get on the track, or to winning ways. Because I don’t see any experience behind his coaching the Indian team. In Test cricket or in one-day series, I don’t think he has any experience of coaching to be honest,” Tiwary added.

The West Bengal sports minister believes the head coach role should have gone to experienced candidates like VVS Laxman or Sairaj Bahutule, who have worked extensively with the National Cricket Academy.

“I think VVS Laxman and Sairaj Bahutule… these guys were in line to be the next head coach. And these guys have been with the NCA for so many years. When Rahul Dravid was not available, the next coach was an automatic choice. So, that process was getting followed. And in between how Gambhir came in, nobody knows. So, this result is bound to happen. When someone who does not have any experience and he comes up and takes up the job… And knowing him, how aggressive he is as an individual in certain aspects, this result is bound to happen,” Tiwary said.

“Gambhir just had experience of mentoring KKR and Lucknow. He had no experience in coaching, that has not been an aspect with him. And when you don’t have experience of coaching, then it becomes difficult for you to perform,” he added.

Manoj Tiwary also criticized the team management for mishandling R Ashwin’s abrupt retirement during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. He felt Ashwin was disrespected, citing instances where less experienced players like Washington Sundar were prioritized over him in key situations.

“I see Ashwin was insulted. See players like Washington Sundar and Tanush Kotian… they are all quality spinners and performed well in first-class cricket. But when you have a player of Ashwin’s calibre, what is the need for you to bring in Washington in the home series where Ashwin is there, Jadeja is there, and Kuldeep is there, and make him bowl more overs than Ashwin. Is that not an insult to Ashwin? He will not come and say that because he is a nice guy. But one day he will definitely come out and he will share his experience,” Tiwary concluded.