Gautam Gambhir’s fiery temperament, while pivotal to his success, has often led to controversies. One such contentious relationship was with former India cricketer Manoj Tiwary, with whom Gambhir shared a tumultuous history. Their altercation during the 2015 Ranji Trophy match between Delhi and Bengal at the Feroz Shah Kotla is well-known, but Tiwary has now revealed that their rivalry had deeper roots.
A Promising Start That Turned Sour
In an interview with Lallantop, Tiwary recalled how he and Gambhir initially had a cordial relationship during their time at Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). However, things took a drastic turn, with Gambhir allegedly singling him out for harsh treatment.
“I was often scolded without any valid reason. At first, we got along well when I joined KKR in 2010, but then he started losing his temper at me for no reason. His words were hurtful, and I couldn’t understand why I was being targeted,” Tiwary said.
Reflecting on the possible reasons behind the friction, Tiwary believed it stemmed from his consistent performances and rising prominence. “Among the local players at KKR, I was performing well and receiving attention from the media. I think that didn’t sit well with him,” he added.
Heated Clashes at KKR
Tiwary shared incidents from his KKR tenure that highlighted the growing tension. One instance occurred during a friendly match against Australia, where Tiwary scored 129, outshining Gambhir’s 110. Despite his efforts, Gambhir reportedly berated him for applying sunscreen instead of being on the field.
The final blow to their relationship came during an argument over Tiwary’s batting position. “At Eden Gardens, we had a heated argument about my role. I was upset and went to the washroom, but he followed me and angrily said, ‘This attitude won’t work. I won’t let you play again.’ He even threatened me, saying, ‘From today, you’ll never get a game.’”
Wasim Akram’s Intervention
Tiwary revealed that the confrontation escalated to the point where KKR’s bowling coach, Wasim Akram, had to intervene. “Wasim Akram calmed things down and told Gambhir to cool off. He understood the situation and had spoken positively about my talent in the past,” Tiwary recalled.
Fallout and the Aftermath
Following these incidents, Tiwary was released by KKR in 2014 and joined Delhi Capitals (then Delhi Daredevils) for two seasons. Tiwary chose not to escalate matters to team owner Shah Rukh Khan, but the events left a lasting impact on his relationship with Gambhir.
The feud eventually culminated in the infamous on-field altercation during the 2015 Ranji Trophy, solidifying their strained dynamic. While Tiwary has moved on from the past, his revelations shed light on the challenges he faced and the complexities of team dynamics in professional cricket.
