New Delhi: Former India cricketer Manoj Tiwary has accused head coach Gautam Gambhir of creating an atmosphere that led to the premature exits of several senior players, including Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin. Tiwary alleged that Gambhir’s leadership style has sidelined experienced players who might question his decisions, calling the situation “not good for Indian cricket.”
According to Tiwary, the retirements of Ashwin, Rohit, and Kohli all within the past year were influenced by growing internal pressure. Ashwin had called time on his international career during the Australia tour last year, while Rohit and Kohli stepped away from Test cricket earlier this year, just before the England series. Tiwary suggested that Gambhir wanted a free hand and preferred not to have strong personalities in the dressing room who could challenge him.
He further criticised the inconsistent team selections under Gambhir, saying, “Since he took charge, there have been controversies senior players retiring, sudden inclusions, and players directly entering the starting XI. These are not healthy signs for Indian cricket.” Tiwary praised Rohit and Kohli for their contributions, calling them “outstanding servants of Indian cricket” who took the team to unprecedented heights. He also warned that excluding the two from India’s plans for the 2027 World Cup would be a “serious mistake,” as their experience and match-winning ability remain unmatched.
Meanwhile, former India opener Sadagoppan Ramesh has hit out at the BCCI for leaving Ravindra Jadeja out of the squad for the upcoming ODI series against Australia, calling it a baffling decision. With Kuldeep Yadav picked as the only specialist spinner and Washington Sundar and Axar Patel providing all-round options, Ramesh questioned the selectors’ reasoning and described Jadeja as a “white-ball legend.”
“The selector says Jadeja was included for the Champions Trophy because of extra spin options. Is he some extra baggage now? Will you pick him only when you need extras? He’s been one of India’s best all-rounders,” Ramesh said on his YouTube channel. He pointed out that Jadeja had recently scored a century and taken four wickets in the first Test against West Indies and argued that others were rewarded for similar performances while Jadeja was overlooked.
BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar defended the decision, clarifying that Jadeja remains part of India’s long-term plans but was left out to maintain team balance. “He’s very much in the mix. We just felt one spinner would be enough for Australian conditions, given we also have Washi and Kuldeep,” Agarkar said.
With Tiwary’s criticism of Gambhir and Ramesh’s frustration over Jadeja’s omission, Indian cricket finds itself in the midst of intense debate one surrounding both the future of its senior players and the direction its new leadership intends to take.
