Manoj Tiwary criticised Punjab Kings for favouring foreign players over in-form Indian batters and said this approach could stop them from winning IPL 2025.
Former India batter Manoj Tiwary has raised concerns about favoritism within the Punjab Kings camp during IPL 2025. Tiwary criticized the coaching staff, led by Ricky Ponting, for showing a lack of trust in Indian batters.
In the match against Kolkata Knight Riders, Punjab Kings openers Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya gave a strong start with scores of 83 and 69. However, after their dismissal, overseas players Glenn Maxwell and Marco Jansen were sent in but failed to deliver. This decision left in-form Indian players Nehal Wadhera and Shashank Singh waiting in the dugout.
Tiwary pointed out that backing struggling foreign players over consistent local performers could hurt Punjab’s chances of winning the title.
“My gut feeling says that Punjab team will not be able to win the #IPL trophy this season. Because what I saw today when they were batting was, the coach didn’t send Indian inform batters Nehal Wadhera and Shasank Singh, instead he trusted his foreign players to deliver. But they couldn’t, and clearly showed a lack of confidence in Indian players down the order. If he persists in this way, then the title is far from them, irrespective of their qualification in the top two,” Tiwary shared on X.
My gut feeling says that punjab team will not be able to win the #IPL trophy this season because what I saw today when they were batting was, the coach didn’t send Indian inform batters Nehal wadera and Shasank singh, instead he trusted his foreign players to deliver, but they…
— MANOJ TIWARY (@tiwarymanoj) April 26, 2025
Notably, Tiwary’s stint with the franchise in 2018 was short and ended in disappointment. Although there was no public fallout, limited chances during the season and his release afterward fueled his frustration. After going unsold in the auctions following 2018, Tiwary’s IPL career came to a close.
Meanwhile, the franchise now prepares for their next challenge as they face Chennai Super Kings on April 30.
