Respect Sourav Ganguly, but Manoj Tiwary allegations can't be taken seriously says Gautam Gambhir

Gambhir has attributed his success to Sourav Ganguly

After an on-field altercation with Bengal’s Manoj Tiwary, that left the nation in shock, Delhi Captain Gautam Gambhir has denied all racism allegations made against him. Tiwary told the media that Gambhir made derogatory remarks against the Bengali community, during their round four Ranji Trophy game in Delhi. However, Gambhir stated that the accusations were baseless and a ‘figment of Tiwary’s imagination’.

In a media statement, he said, “ On Sunday, Manoj Tiwary stooped to a new low by claiming that I made racist remarks about Bengali community and my favourite India captain and one of the best cricketers I have played under Mr Sourav Ganguly whom I fondly call Dada. Let me categorically state here that these allegations are baseless and Tiwary's way of sensationalising things through his figment of imagination," Gambhir wrote in a media statement.

He added, "First of all I am a proud Indian who respects all religions, communities and sexes. Then, ever since I have had the honour of leading Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL I have been humbled by the love and affection showered on my team and me by Bengali community. I have said in numerous interviews that Bengal is my second home and the support of the fans is the biggest X factor for KKR. I can't thank them enough for helping us win IPL title twice.”

Gambhir also said that Tiwary should concentrate on his batting, rather than making foolish statements. He is also saddened by Sourav Ganguly’s name being dragged in the controversy, stating that he would never disrespect such a great leader of the game. He said, “Dada taught Indian cricket to play aggressive brand of cricket and modelled the team to win outside India. His contribution to Indian cricket is unparalleled. Personally, I made my India debut under Dada's leadership and can never forget the way he eased me into the team dressing room.

He added, "Besides, I have picked up a lot of things from Dada's leadership ways and put them in practice for KKR. It is unfortunate that Dada's name was dragged in by Tiwary perhaps to gain cheap publicity,"

Gambhir was fined 50 % of his match fee by Match Referee Valmick Buch, after he pushed away umpire K Srikanth, who was attempting to stop the potential brawl.