The longstanding feud between Gautam Gambhir and Manoj Tiwary dates back to 2015 during a Ranji Trophy match between Delhi and Bengal at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. The confrontation on the field escalated rapidly, with both players exchanging harsh words. This incident marked the beginning of a strained relationship that remains unresolved to this day.
A War of Words on the Field
The clash reportedly began when Gambhir accused Tiwary of deliberately wasting time with only 40 minutes remaining in the game. Tempers flared, and Gambhir launched into a barrage of abuses that Tiwary found deeply offensive. Tiwary, refusing to back down, confronted Gambhir and questioned his behavior. The situation worsened when Gambhir allegedly challenged Tiwary to a fight after the match, saying, “Meet me in the evening, I will thrash you.” In response, Tiwary retorted, “Why wait until evening? Let’s do it now.”
Umpires Unable to Intervene
Despite the escalating tension, the umpires on the field struggled to control the situation. Gambhir’s stature in Indian cricket seemingly intimidated them, leaving them hesitant to take strict action. According to Tiwary, even after the over ended, Gambhir continued to hurl abuses from mid-off, further intensifying the conflict.
Gambhir’s Comments on Sourav Ganguly
Adding another layer to the controversy, Tiwary later revealed that Gambhir had also made derogatory remarks about former Indian captain and ex-BCCI president Sourav Ganguly during the altercation. At the time, Ganguly had recently taken over as president of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB). According to Tiwary, Gambhir accused Ganguly of using his connections to secure the role, stating, “Woh apna jack laga ke aa gaya. Tu bhi uske peeche aa gaya? Tu bhi yeh sab karke pohuch gaya (He used his connections to get the position, and now you’re following his lead).”
Ganguly’s Graceful Response
Tiwary, who shares a close bond with Ganguly, felt it was his duty to inform the former captain about Gambhir’s comments. Ganguly, known for his calm demeanor, responded with grace and simply said, “Theek hai (It’s fine).” Despite the insult, Ganguly chose not to escalate the matter, showcasing his trademark composure.
The Fallout
Tiwary has openly criticized Gambhir’s temperament, claiming the India head coach has a serious anger issue. Reflecting on the incident, Tiwary stated that Gambhir’s behavior made it impossible for them to have any further interactions or reconcile their differences.
A History of Unresolved Tension
This episode highlights the intense emotions that can arise in competitive sports. However, the personal nature of the comments, particularly involving a respected figure like Sourav Ganguly, has kept the incident in the spotlight years later. As Tiwary continues to recount the events, it is clear that the rift between him and Gambhir shows no signs of healing.
