Former India cricketer Manoj Tiwary has once again reignited his long-standing feud with current India head coach Gautam Gambhir, this time calling him a “hypocrite.” The remarks came in the context of India’s upcoming Asia Cup clash against Pakistan.
Old Comments Resurface Amid Asia Cup Build-Up
Tiwary recalled Gambhir’s past interviews where he had strongly opposed India playing Pakistan until cross-border terrorism came to an end. He pointed out the contradiction, noting that Gambhir now finds himself coaching India in a tournament where they are set to face Pakistan.
“I always felt that he’s someone who is a hypocrite. He’s the one who earlier said India and Pakistan should never play against each other. Now he is the coach of the team that will play Pakistan in the Asia Cup. Why can’t he resign if he stands by his words?” Tiwary told CrickTracker.
India and Pakistan are scheduled to meet on September 14 in Dubai, and depending on results, could face off as many as three times in the tournament.
Terror Attack Backdrop
The controversy comes in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 tourists were killed earlier this year. Following this, India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting terror camps across Pakistan and PoK.
Public pressure and opposition MPs have called for India to boycott matches against Pakistan, but the Sports Ministry has confirmed India will continue to participate in multilateral events, meaning the Asia Cup clash is on for now.
Yashasvi Jaiswal Snub Adds Fuel
Tiwary also criticized Gambhir over Yashasvi Jaiswal’s exclusion from the Asia Cup squad. The young left-hander has been kept in reserves while Suryakumar Yadav captains the side with Shubman Gill as his deputy.
Tiwary reminded fans of an old clip where Gambhir, before becoming coach, had advocated strongly for Jaiswal’s place in India’s T20I squad.
“He said Jaiswal is the future of Team India and should never be kept out of T20s. Now, as head coach, he has done the opposite. That’s why I call him a hypocrite—he’s always been one,” Tiwary added.
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