CHENNAI: It has been an unlucky journey so far for Manoj Tiwary. An injured shoulder undid what could have been a debut against Bangladesh in 2007, and a Brett Lee toe-crusher soured his maiden ODI next year.
Back in international contention three years later, Tiwary racked up his maiden ODI ton during West Indies’ tour of India. The knock, though, couldn’t save him from slipping through the cracks yet again. Even the IPL hasn’t been kind to him, missing out last year due to injury.
But this year, things have started differently for Tiwary. He guided underdogs East Zone to the Syed Mustaq Ali T20 championship, hitting an unbeaten 75 against North Zone in the penultimate match. His performances earned him a chance in this year’s IPL, as he was picked up by Rising Pune Supergiants. The 31-year-old is currently in town as skipper of Bengal for the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
When quizzed about how luck has deserted him during crucial junctures, Manoj shoots down the notion. “I’m a firm believer in destiny and hard work. Things have not gone according to plan, but I’ve never given up hope.
“I know I’m not getting any younger, but the likes of Ashish Nehra and Yuvraj Singh have inspired me. Even Wriddhi (Wriddhiman Saha) was on the fringes for a long time. Only my performances are in my hand, and I will keep improving.” he said after Bengal beat Andhra Pradesh by four wickets in their Group C opener.
On what changes he has brought about in his game, the right-hander said, “I have become leaner and fitter. I follow a strict diet. I have started concentrating on my bowling as well. But the most important change is my mental make-up. I have been working hard on mental conditioning.
The former Kolkata Knight Riders player admits he was scared when he was watching the IPL auction at home. “I was nervous and a bit sad after the first two rounds. I thought my performances warranted my inclusion. Thankfully, RPS picked me up (for base price of `50 lakh).”
Regarding cricket in Bengal, the lad from Howrah said Sourav Ganguly and CAB’s Vision 2020 has helped the game grow. “Dadi (Sourav) helps each one of us with tips. We have unearthed many youngsters through it. Hopefully, we will one day have another mainstay in the national team.”
ayantan@newindianexpress.com