Veteran batter Manoj Tiwary is one of the best batters to have been produced from Bengal. The flexible batter is also a part-time spinner and at times, is an invaluable asset to his team. Tiwary has also represented India and has played 12 ODIs and 3 T20Is for the national team.
Presently, in the absence of regular Bengal captain Abhimanyu Easwaran, Manoj Tiwary is captaining the Bengal side in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2022-23. He steered Bengal to a solid 6-wicket victory against Uttar Pradesh in their first game of the season. Tiwary scored a matured and responsible knock of 60*(108) in the 2nd innings of Bengal.
Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, Manoj Tiwary has hinted at his possible retirement post this Ranji Trophy season.
“We have to play like champions. We won today, but it’s not like we played exceptional cricket. If we look session-by-session, there were phases when we bowled badly. And our opening batters must score runs. If we want to win the Ranji Trophy, we must take our game to the next level,” said Manoj Tiwary.
“I am quite relaxed about leading the team. When I stepped down as the first-class captain of Bengal [during the 2018-19 season], I was told to continue as captain of the one-day and T20 sides, but I had refused, telling them that we need to groom a younger player as captain. But in Abhimanyu’s absence, I realised I have to take this responsibility because decision-making is such a crucial part of the game,” Tiwary added.
Bengal last won the elusive Ranji Trophy title way back in 1989-90. The team reached the semi-finals of the Ranji Trophy in the last edition but failed to cross the finishing line. Bengal lost to Madhya Pradesh in the semi-finals.
Bengal spearheaded by Manoj Tiwary will be next locking horns with Himachal Pradesh which commences from 20th December 2022. The match will be played in Kolkata itself.
Also read: Arjun Tendulkar Smashes Century On Ranji Trophy Debut
