"Had I not fought with Gautam Gambhir in 2013, maybe I would have played for another two-three years" - Manoj Tiwary

Former India cricketer Manoj Tiwary revealed a heated altercation involving him and Gautam Gambhir during his time with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Manoj Tiwary said that the incident may have cost him the opportunity to play additional seasons for the team.

Manoj Tiwary recently retired from all formats of the game after Bengal’s final league match in the Ranji Trophy against Bihar at the Eden Gardens. It’s worth mentioning that the former batter initially retired in 2023 after a loss to Saurashtra but returned to red-ball cricket.

Would Have Played For Another Two-Three Years – Manoj Tiwary

Speaking to Anandabazar Patrika, Manoj Tiwary revealed how the conflict with Gautam Gambhir in the KKR dressing room shortened his tenure, impacting potential future seasons and financial gains.

“During my time at KKR, I had a big fight with Gambhir in the dressing room. That never came to light. KKR became the champion in 2012. At that time, I managed to hit four, so the team won. I got a chance to play for KKR one more year.

“Had I not fought with Gambhir in 2013, maybe I would have played for another two-three years. That means the amount I was supposed to get as per the contract would have gone up. Bank balance would be strengthened. But I never thought about that,” Tiwary said.

Tiwary played a pivotal role for Kolkata Knight Riders from 2010 to 2013, notably scoring the winning boundary in the 2012 IPL final against Chennai Super Kings. However, his tenure with the Kolkata franchise was short-lived, spanning just one more season in the IPL.

Never Thought Of My Loss – Manoj Tiwary

Manoj Tiwary expressed disappointment with the selection process of Delhi Daredevils, citing the mismanagement of the playing XI. Manoj Tiwary claimed that he requested his release from the team, which eventually led to the termination of his contract.

“Gary Kirsten was the coach when I played for Delhi Capitals. I was seeing in front of my eyes in one match after another that the first eleven was not going well. The combination is not correct. Eligible cricketers were not getting a chance to play.

“Many were out due to injuries. The results of the team were not good. I went straight and said, leave me if you can’t put me in the XI. My contract then was ₹2.8 crore. I never thought that if I said this, they would misunderstand me and leave me. Never thought of my loss,” Tiwary added.

Tiwari was part of the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) franchise from 2008 to 2009. he later joined the Kolkata Knight Riders in 2010. He scored 1686 runs in 96 IPL matches, including seven half-centuries. He last played in the IPL during the 2018 season.

In February 2021, Tiwary joined Mamata Banerjee’s All India Trinamool Congress party. The 38-year-old now serves as a Member of the Legislative Assembly in West Bengal and was appointed as a Minister of State for Affairs of Sports and Youth.

Also read: “I would like to ask MS Dhoni..” Manoj Tiwary alleges the former Indian skipper for dropping him from international cricket