Kolkata: Former India cricketer Manoj Tiwary has stirred a major debate by claiming that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma wanted to continue playing Test cricket but were compelled to retire because of an unhealthy team environment. Both stalwarts stepped away from the longest format earlier this year, within a week of each other, ahead of the five-Test series against England.
Tiwary’s remarks came in response to head coach Gautam Gambhir’s comments linking India’s defeat in the first Test against South Africa to a “transition phase.” According to Tiwary, India’s depth of talent makes the idea of a transition redundant, and the discourse around it may have contributed to pushing senior players out.
“Virat and Rohit Wanted to Protect Test Cricket”
Speaking to India Today, Tiwary criticised the management’s approach, suggesting that both Kohli and Rohit were eager to continue contributing to the format.
“This whole ‘transition phase’ talk—I don’t agree with it. India doesn’t need a transition. New Zealand or Zimbabwe need transition. Our domestic cricket is full of talented performers waiting for chances,” Tiwary said.
“Because of this unnecessary transition, star players like Virat and Rohit—who wanted to keep playing Test cricket and protect its sanctity—slowly stepped back because of the atmosphere created around them.”
Tiwary Questions Gambhir’s Coaching Approach
Tiwary further criticised Gambhir for blaming technical shortcomings of players after the loss, saying the coach must take responsibility for preparing the batting group.
“You cannot blame players’ technique after losing. As a coach, your job is to teach, not blame. If the batters didn’t have solid defence, why weren’t they trained before the match? Gambhir was a great player of spin, so he should coach more. The results aren’t in India’s favour,” he added.
India Under Pressure Ahead of Guwahati Test
India trail 0–1 in the two-match Test series and must win the second Test in Guwahati to avoid a second consecutive home series defeat. After a rank turner at Eden Gardens backfired badly for the hosts, much focus now lies on what kind of pitch the team management will opt for with the series on the line.
