Performance doesn’t need PR: Indian cricketers come in support of Gambhir

Former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) teammates and Indian cricketers Harshit Rana and Nitish Rana have come out in support of India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir, who has been under heavy scrutiny after suffering humiliating defeats in the Test series against New Zealand and Australia.

India were whitewashed 0-3 by New Zealand at home and then suffered a 1-3 defeat in Australia, losing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after 10 years. Former India cricketer Manoj Tiwary recently criticised Gambhir for taking full credit for KKR winning the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.

“Gambhir didn’t guide KKR to the title single-handedly as we all performed as a unit. Jacques Kallis, Sunil Narine and I, all contributed to the cause. But who took the credit? There is an environment and PR that allows him to take all the credit," said Tiwari to News18 Bangla.

Responding to Tiwari, Harshit and Nitish posted almost a similar message on their respective social media handles. Nitish wrote on X: “Criticism should be based on facts, not personal insecurities. Gauti bhaiyya is one of the most selfless players I’ve ever met. He shoulders responsibility in times of distress like no other. Performance doesn’t need any PR. The trophies speak for themselves.”

Meanwhile, Harshit posted on Instagram: “Criticising someone due to personal insecurities is not good. Gautibhaiya is someone who thinks more for others than himself. He always backs players when they are down and put them in the limelight when things go our way. He has shown this on multiple occasions. He has a lot of knowledge on how to turn games in your favour.”

Both Harshit and Nitish were part of the KKR squad that won the IPL 2025. Harshit is still with KKR but Nitish moved to Rajasthan Royals in the IPL 2025 auction.