Bengal batsman Manoj Tiwary, who was in the reckoning a few years back, now finds himself almost in the twilight of his career. He hopes that by putting in the hard yards; he might be able to make a return to the national squad and the upcoming Duleep Trophy is the biggest opportunity, for him to force his way back into the reckoning.
Tiwary who wasn’t part of any unit during the previous Duleep Trophy is a part of the India Blue team led by out of favor Indian batsman Suresh Raina. India Blue start their campaign on September 13 against India Red.
“It’s a big opportunity and I’m in good form this time. I will play the Pink ball cricket at this top-class level for the first time,” Tiwary said.
The Bengal batsman played his last international match in 2015 against Zimbabwe and was later dropped from the team after poor returns.
“I’m putting hard work since morning to evening and working honestly. Confidence is there and I hope I will make full use of this opportunity. I’m in good form this time,” Tiwary added.
Earlier Tiwary signed for Mohon Bagan ending his seven-year ties with local Club KalIghat.
“Hope I will win Trophies for Mohun Bagan and make India comeback from here. The main aim is to win the Trophy. It was a tough decision. I had a family bonding with Kalighat. But I needed a change,” he said.
“Mohun Bagan have been Trophy less. The main aim is to win them Trophies and become highest run-getter, best cricketer not only here but in domestic cricket,” Tiwary added.
There has not been any news of left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha whose NOC request to return to his home state Hyderabad was turned down by Cricket Association of Bengal president Sourav Ganguly. “I’m also not able to get through to him on phone. We don’t know whether he’s coming or not but even if he returns it will not be a headache for us,” Tiwary said
“We are ready for any situation and focusing on our cricket. We have bench strength to replace him if he does not come,” the Bengal captain concluded.