Manoj Tiwary still optimistic of making a national comeback

Tiwary hasn't played for India since July 2015.

Manoj Tiwary during Ranji Trophy 2017/18 | Facebook

Even though there are a few slots up for grab in the Indian ODI team, Bengal batsman Manoj Tiwary’s name barely catches the selector’s attention. The 32-year-old keeps churning out runs in domestic cricket to put forward a strong case for himself.

Tiwary though is still hopeful of making it to the national team. He has last represented India in July 2015.

“I still believe that I can make a comeback. I’m passionate about the game. I’ve always believe that no matter what the situation is, I’ve to play to the best of my ability. My job is to give 100% on the field — whether to give a comeback chance to me depends upon the selectors. I back myself in a difficult situation, whether I score a 0 or a 100, my confidence while approaching the next game stays the same,” Tiwary told TOI.

Manoj, who led Bengal to the semi-final of Ranji Trophy 2017-18,is currently playing for India ‘B’ in the ongoing Deodhar Trophy. He scored a masterful 120 against Karnataka on Monday (March 5), however, couldn’t lead his team to victory. While chasing the target of 297, India ‘B’ were tottering 23 for 3 at one stage but Tiwary along with Siddhesh Lad took the team to 241 with their 133-run stand for the fifth wicket.

In the 42nd over, Tiwary, decided to charge the leggie Shreyas Gopal and missed the ball to be out stumped. After losing Manoj’s wicket, India ‘B’ lost their way and fell short of the target.

“I’m really disappointed on not taking the team through here. If I’d carried on, the match would’ve finished two overs earlier. I’ve to learn from this mistake and make sure it doesn’t happen again,” Tiwary admitted.

A lot of people must have thought that Tiwary’s career would finally take off after he compiled a hundred in the final ODI against the West Indies at Chennai in 2011. However, for some inexplicable reason, he didn’t get another game for a long while.

“After that century, I was dropped for the next 14 games, which took place over a period of six months. But see, I’ve led Bengal for a number of years now. So whenever we’ve to make a decision, I understand that it’s for the betterment of the team. So similarly in my case also, the management must’ve thought that the other player might do a better job than me despite me scoring a hundred in the previous game,” Tiwary said.

“Normally, you don’t see someone scoring a hundred and missing out on the next game, but I also respect the decision which the management (think tank and the selectors) took at that point of time. I believe in destiny. As I said, my job is to try and give my 100%...try and become a better human being first. And then the rest is up to God. Because I believe we’re all destined..if it’s written that I’ll play (for India again), then you never know. Chances might come up from other paths. I just have to carry on doing what I’m doing right now,” he explained.

For a man of his talent, Tiwary has only played 12 ODIs and three T20 Internationals for India. No wonder, he is unsatisfied with his career thus far.

 “I’m not satisfied at all with my career, because I believe that I haven’t been able to fulfill the potential that God has given me,” Shami asserted.

“When you’ve the ability to contribute in all three departments of the game, you want to be a regular India player. When I see the players who’re playing for India now, I sit back and think that I could’ve easily scored runs in certain situations and conditions where they’re doing well,” he concluded.

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 07 Mar, 2018

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