• Source:JND

Former India cricketer Manoj Tiwary indirectly slammed head coach Gautam Gambhir after the Shreyas Iyer-led side's two-match T20I series defeat against Ireland. Manoj Tiwary, who played a crucial role for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2012 title triumph, believes the team management cannot ignore the result, even if India performs well in the upcoming series against England or goes on to win the T20 World Cup.

India suffered a disappointing 2-0 defeat in the two-match series against Ireland. They lost the first T20I by 34 runs in Belfast before falling just one run short in the second match, marking their first bilateral T20I series loss since 2023.

ALSO READ: 'I Expected Vaibhav Sooryavanshi To Debut': Sunil Gavaskar Questions India's Team Selection After Ireland Loss

Despite the setback, India will now shift its focus to the five-match T20I series against England, followed by a three-match ODI series. The tour begins on July 1 in Chester-le-Street.

However, Tiwary believes the Ireland defeat should not be forgotten.

“India might go on to win the World Cup in South Africa. India might also win the T20I series against England," Tiwary said while speaking in a video on his X account.

“But what about the T20I series lost against Ireland? Who is going to be accountable for it? I told you to address the elephant in the room, but no one believed my words," Tiwary

He also claimed that responsibility for the defeat could be shifted away from those making key decisions.

ALSO READ: 'We Don't Want Gautam Gambhir': Iceland Cricket's Brutal Dig At India Head Coach Goes Viral After Ireland T20I Series Defeat

“I know that PR agencies and friends of the so-called decision-maker will start pinpointing the blame on Shreyas Iyer," Tiwary added.

Tiwary also questioned why young batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi did not get an opportunity during the Ireland series. The 15-year-old remained on the bench for both matches, even though many believed the tour was the perfect chance to give him his international debut.

“Why won’t you play him in the playing XI from the first game itself? Rather, you chose to go with the ones who did well in the World Cup that happened before the IPL," Tiwary said.

He also took aim at the team management's handling of Washington Sundar during the series.

“Your so-called part-time obsession (Washington Sundar) has not lived up to your expectations, so that is why you just made him play one game," Tiwary added.

Explore Related Topics

India

Also In News