Vidarbha registered a nerve-wrecking 5-run victory over Karnataka to enter in the Ranji Trophy 2017-18 final wherein they will lock horns against the seven times Ranji Champions, Delhi on November 29.
Seeing the way Vidarbha have fared in this season, Bengal skipper Manoj Tiwary has said that he won’t be surprised if the Faiz Fazal led side will manage to upstage Rishabh Pant’s Delhi in the all-important Ranji final.
“Of course, it’s going to be a tight contest. Both teams have a good mixture of senior and junior players but I feel Vidarbha will hold a slight edge over Delhi going into the marquee clash. It’s their maiden Ranji final; they’ll look to make history,” Tiwary said according to Hindustan Times.
Manoj Tiwary, who has been playing domestic cricket for 13 years, also asserted that playing for the country is the ultimate dream for any cricketer. However, Tiwary feels that accomplishing feats in domestic cricket for your state team also counts a lot.
“Belief of making an India comeback is always there. Goal is to help the state team achieve more trophies. Leading the state team is an honourable job. It’s a way of giving back to the game, helping youngsters,” opined the Bengal captain.
Manoj Tiwary, who scored 461 runs in eight games this season, also expressed his sorrow for being bundled out for 86 in the second innings to lose the first semi-final comprehensively to Delhi.
“We performed well (throughout the season). Everyone was given opportunities. Beating defending champions Gujarat comprehensively in the quarters was the highlight.
“But in semis, I feel the batters played some poor shots. Hopefully, they’ll learn from their mistakes and come out on top next season,” he concluded.
The 84th edition of Ranji Trophy final between Delhi and Vidarbha will be played at the Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore. For Delhi and Vidarbha, the seasoned fast bowlers – Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav will not feature in the final as they will travel to South Africa with the Indian team-mates for a three-match series, commencing on January 5 at Newlands, Cape Town.
