The entire country was left in shock after star batter Shreyas Iyer failed to make it to India’s Asia Cup squad.
An explosive claim has rocked Indian cricket. Former KKR star Manoj Tiwary dropped a bombshell. He claims coach Gautam Gambhir prefers Shubman Gill. Consequently, this sets the stage for a power struggle. A fight now looms for India’s captaincy.
A new controversy has engulfed Indian cricket. It follows Shreyas Iyer’s shocking team exclusion. Many believed Iyer was a future leader. However, Manoj Tiwary suggests a deeper conflict. A personal rivalry with Shubman Gill is brewing. Furthermore, this fight is fueled by the new coach. Gautam Gambhir’s preferences are now in question.
The Spark: Iyer’s Brutal Asia Cup Snub
A single team sheet ignited the controversy. Selectors dropped Shreyas Iyer from the Asia Cup squad. This move stunned the cricket world. In his place, they named Shubman Gill vice-captain. Iyer has proven his leadership in the IPL. Therefore, his omission raised immediate questions. Many now question his place under Gambhir. This decision was the first move in a high-stakes game.
The Uncrowned Prince: Tiwary Champions “Captain Iyer”
Meanwhile, Manoj Tiwary fiercely defends Iyer. He names Iyer the true heir to Rohit Sharma. He points to Iyer’s phenomenal track record. This record proves his leadership credentials.
- IPL Champion (2024): He led KKR to a dominant title victory.
- IPL Finalist (2025): He took Punjab Kings to the tournament final.
- Domestic Glory: He has also won trophies for Mumbai.
“After Rohit Sharma, I would say Shreyas Iyer,” Tiwary declared. “He leads from the front. He scores many runs. Plus, he makes great decisions on the field.”
The Bombshell: A PR Machine and a Mentor’s Shadow
Tiwary’s claims then turn incendiary. He argues Iyer was brutally denied proper credit. This happened after KKR’s 2024 IPL triumph. Instead, the victory was credited only to Gambhir.
“In 2024, his KKR team emerged as champions,” Tiwary stated. “However, he didn’t get the credit he deserved. A PR machine gave credit to only one man. I felt he needed recognition as the leader.”
Next, he delivered the knockout punch. He directly implicated Gambhir’s personal bias. This bias, he claims, now defines the captaincy race.
“Shreyas Iyer will eventually lead Team India. But he will be fighting Shubman Gill. This is because the coach, Gautam Gambhir, likes Gill more. So, there will be a fight.”
The Gambhir Factor: Kingmaker or Disruptor?
Gautam Gambhir now heads Team India. His influence is therefore absolute. Gambhir is known for his aggressive style. His choices will define India’s next generation. Tiwary’s allegation is serious. It suggests Gambhir might favor Gill. This gives the young opener a huge advantage. As a result, this raises critical questions:
- Will the coach’s bias dictate this huge decision?
- Can Iyer overcome being the “second choice”?
- Is Gambhir actively grooming Gill for the top job?
This drama is more than a simple debate. It has become a battle for control and legacy. Rohit Sharma’s era is ending. Subsequently, a captaincy war has just begun. Gambhir now stands as the ultimate kingmaker. The future of Team India hangs in the balance.