Kings XI Punjab is currently the team to beat in this IPL 2018 along with probably Sunrisers Hyderabad. The KXIP formed a formidable side in the IPL 2018 auction and their choices are giving them rich dividends in the tournament.
Manoj Tiwary was bought by the KXIP team after he had a wonderful IPL 2017 season with Rising Pune Supergiant. However, with a winning combination already doing well, Tiwary had to warm the bench, waiting for his chance in the playing XI.
He also realized that he needed to develop a skill that is unique to himself and he did that by getting a slingy bowling action, which saw him get much success for his domestic side (Bengal) in the limited overs format.
“To be honest, my career has always been about pressure whether I play a first-class season or any other the tournament. No matter what pressure will always be there and I have to prepare accordingly. That is the way it is and I am looking forward to making most of my opportunity as and when it comes,” Tiwary told the indianexpress.com.
“In the middle order, not much of an opportunity has come since the openers have done the bulk of the work for us. The way KL Rahul has performed is great. It’s heartening to see someone play authentic cricket shots and succeed in this format. He has been outstanding and I wish that he keeps performing like this and takes us to the finals. At the end of the day, I am also a player who wants to feature in the playing XI but it’s up to the management. I am really high on confidence and wherever I get the chance I will give my best and adjust to the demands of the team and situation,” the aggressive right-hander said.
Tiwary further said about his newly developed bowling technique, “I have developed a unique round-arm technique, which may come handy for the team when required. I am pretty sure that people will be surprised with my bowling performance. I have started bowl with a pretty low round-arm action and it is not easy for batsmen to hit. I have been pretty successful and economical with it in regional T20 tournaments where pitches have been slow. So yes I am hoping to do well with it.”
Talking about KXIP making it to the playoffs, Tiwary said, ”Considering the way we are playing, we can definitely say that. But cricket is a funny game and the way this format goes anything can happen. So we will not be complacent and give our best shot.”
