India and Bengal cricketer Manoj Tiwary wants to continue playing for the next ten years despite age being a barrier. He is taking inspiration from the likes of Wasim Jaffer and Zaheer Khan. Jaffer, 41, recently became the first Indian to feature in 150 Ranji Trophy matches.
Tiwary talked about his future in a chat with ESPNCricinfo. He wants to make a few changes in his batting technique to stay in today's high competition.
“I’m not going anywhere. I’m 34 and I plan to play another ten years. I know it’s not going to be easy. If Wasim [Jaffer] bhai can play for so many years if Zaheer Khan can roll his arm at 42 and still get wickets at T10, why can’t I? Michael Jordan, LeBron James, so many other athletes. Nobody will question LeBron James – he’s 34 I guess,” Manoj said.
“He’s going to continue for another 3-4 years. So that’s how I want to break it down. Three years [at a time], or two. I’m not going to go (out) so easily.” The right-hander added: “I want to score more than 1000 runs this season. That’s my aim. I’m working towards it. Whatever is required to be done, whether it’s physical or planning my innings in a better way.
“I’ve chalked out a few areas where I need to work as far as my technique is concerned. Getting my technique a bit tighter for the Ranji games. Which is always the challenging part when you play shorter formats before the Ranji season, you want to play Ranji in the same flow.”
Tiwary has played 12 ODIs and 3 T20Is for India. He never returned to the side after his last match in 2015 against Zimbabwe.
(With ESPN Cricinfo Inputs)
