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Manoj Kumar Tiwary, born on 14 November 1985, is a name that resonates with cricket enthusiasts, especially those who have followed the domestic circuit in India. Hailing from West Bengal, Tiwary is not just a cricketer but also a politician. As a cricketer, he is known for his aggressive right-handed batting style and his occasional leg-break bowling. Over the years, he has represented various teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and has been a significant part of the Bengal cricket team. Apart from his cricketing accolades, in 2021, Tiwary ventured into politics, joining the All India Trinamool Congress and was subsequently elected to the West Bengal Legislative Assembly.
Born in West Bengal, Tiwary's passion for cricket was evident from a young age. His dedication and talent soon saw him representing Bengal in the domestic circuit. Making his mark in the early 2000s, he became a crucial player for the Bengal team. His consistent performances at the domestic level caught the eyes of the national selectors.
Tiwary's international debut came against Australia in the 2007–08 Commonwealth Bank Series. However, it wasn't the kind of debut he would have hoped for, as he managed to score only 2 runs. But setbacks like these didn't deter the young batsman. He was soon called up for the West Indies tour of 2011 as a replacement for Yuvraj Singh, who had to opt out due to health reasons. During this series, Tiwary played in the 4th and 5th ODIs. His performance in the 5th ODI at Chennai was particularly noteworthy. With India reeling at 2 wickets for just 1 run, Tiwary showcased his mettle by crafting a brilliant innings, scoring his maiden ODI century (104 not out). Despite facing cramps, he continued his innings and retired only after reaching the three-figure mark. His stellar performance ensured India's victory in that match by 34 runs, and he was rightfully awarded the Man-Of-The-Match.
However, the journey wasn't always smooth for Tiwary. Even after scoring an unbeaten century, he found himself sitting in the reserves for 14 consecutive matches. But when he did make a comeback, he proved his worth not just as a batsman but also as an all-rounder. In a match against Sri Lanka at Colombo, he took 4 wickets for 61 runs with his leg-breaks, restricting the hosts to a total of 251/8. He also contributed with the bat, scoring a crucial 21 runs.
Tiwary's cricketing journey is a testament to his resilience and determination. From his early days in West Bengal to representing India on the international stage, he has faced challenges head-on, always emerging stronger.
Manoj Tiwary's domestic cricket journey is a tale of perseverance, talent, and consistent performances. Born in Howrah, Bengal, Tiwary's domestic cricketing journey began with the Bengal team. His aggressive batting style and ability to play match-winning innings made him a mainstay in the Bengal lineup.
One of the most defining moments of his domestic career came during the 2006-07 Ranji Trophy season. Tiwary showcased his exceptional talent by amassing a staggering 796 runs at an average of 99.50. This performance not only broke several Bengal records but also made the entire cricketing fraternity take notice of this emerging star. His consistent performances for Bengal were instrumental in earning him a spot in the India touring party for Bangladesh.
Tiwary's association with the Indian Premier League (IPL) further highlighted his prowess in the shorter format of the game. He represented various franchises, including Delhi Daredevils, Kings XI Punjab, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Rising Pune Supergiant. His ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when required made him a valuable asset for these teams.
In addition to his batting, Tiwary's leg-break googly bowling provided an added dimension to his game, making him a useful all-rounder in domestic cricket. His contributions to the Bengal team, both with the bat and ball, have been significant, and he has played a pivotal role in many of their successful campaigns.
Tiwary's international debut for India came against Australia during the 2007–08 Commonwealth Bank Series. However, his debut was far from ideal, as he managed to score only 2 runs. But, as has been the theme of his career, setbacks only made him more determined.
His next significant opportunity on the international stage came during India's tour of the West Indies in 2011. Replacing Yuvraj Singh, Tiwary played in the 4th and 5th ODIs. His performance in the 5th ODI at Chennai was a testament to his talent and determination. With India in a precarious position, Tiwary scored a brilliant maiden ODI century (104 not out), ensuring India's victory.
However, the path in international cricket was not always smooth for Tiwary. Despite his match-winning century, he found himself out of the playing XI for 14 consecutive matches. But when he returned, he made it count. In a match against Sri Lanka at Colombo, he showcased his all-round abilities by taking 4 wickets for 61 runs and scoring a crucial 21 runs.
Tiwary's international journey saw several ups and downs. While he showcased his talent on multiple occasions, he also faced periods of being sidelined. His last ODI appearance for India was against Zimbabwe at Harare in July 2015. Despite the challenges, Tiwary's contributions to Indian cricket, both at the domestic and international levels, cannot be understated.
Throughout his international career, spanning from 2008 to 2015, Tiwary faced numerous challenges. From injuries to being benched even after stellar performances, his journey was filled with obstacles. However, his resilience and determination always shone through. Whether it was his maiden ODI century against the West Indies or his all-round performance against Sri Lanka, Tiwary always rose to the occasion when given an opportunity.
Manoj Tiwary, throughout his cricketing career, has been known for his ability to produce match-winning performances. His aggressive batting style combined with his knack for picking up crucial wickets made him a valuable asset for any team he represented.
Maiden ODI Century: One of the most memorable moments in Tiwary's international career was his maiden ODI century against the West Indies in Chennai. With India in a tight spot, having lost two early wickets for just one run, Tiwary displayed immense grit and determination. He crafted a brilliant innings, scoring an unbeaten 104, ensuring India's victory by 34 runs. This innings was not just about the runs but also showcased his ability to handle pressure on the big stage.
All-round Performance against Sri Lanka: Another standout performance came against Sri Lanka in Colombo. Tiwary showcased his all-round abilities by picking up 4 wickets for 61 runs with his leg-breaks. He also chipped in with a crucial 21 runs with the bat, proving his mettle as a genuine all-rounder.
Ranji Trophy 2006-07: On the domestic front, Tiwary's 796 runs at an average of 99.50 during the 2006-07 Ranji Trophy season remains one of the most impressive feats. This performance not only broke several Bengal records but also cemented his place as one of the most promising talents in Indian cricket.
IPL Contributions: In the Indian Premier League, Tiwary had several notable performances. Representing teams like the Delhi Daredevils, Kings XI Punjab, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Rising Pune Supergiant, he played several match-winning knocks and was often the backbone of the team's batting line-up.
Every athlete's journey is filled with challenges and setbacks, and Manoj Tiwary's career was no exception. While his talent was undeniable, there were several instances where he faced hurdles that tested his resolve.
Injury on Debut: Tiwary's international debut was eagerly anticipated after his stellar domestic performances. However, on the eve of his debut match against Bangladesh in Mirpur, he suffered a severe shoulder injury during fielding practice. This injury not only delayed his debut but also was a significant setback at the start of his international career.
Tough Start in Brisbane: When Tiwary finally made his debut against Australia in Brisbane, he faced one of the fiercest bowlers in world cricket, Brett Lee. The searing pace of Lee proved too much for a jetlagged Tiwary, resulting in a disappointing start to his international journey.
Being Sidelined: Despite scoring a match-winning century against the West Indies, Tiwary found himself out of the playing XI for 14 consecutive matches. Such instances can be demoralising for any player, especially when they feel they've done enough to secure their spot in the team.
Injury Woes: Throughout his career, Tiwary faced several injury challenges. These injuries not only kept him out of crucial matches but also affected his form and rhythm. The 2013-14 Vijay Hazare Trophy saw Tiwary returning after an eight-month layoff due to injury
Competition for Places: Indian cricket, given its vast talent pool, always has fierce competition for spots in the national team. Tiwary, despite his performances, often found himself competing with other talented players for a place in the side. This competition meant that even a few failures could result in being sidelined.
Manoj Tiwary's journey in the realm of cricket is a testament to the spirit of perseverance, dedication, and passion. From his early days in Bengal to representing India on the global stage, Tiwary has showcased not just his cricketing prowess but also his indomitable spirit. His notable performances have left an indelible mark on the cricketing world, while his challenges have shown the mettle he's made of. As he transitioned from a budding cricketer to a seasoned player and even ventured into politics, Tiwary's story serves as an inspiration. It reminds us that with determination, talent, and hard work, one can overcome any obstacle and achieve greatness.
FAQs
When did Manoj Tiwary make his international debut?
Tiwary made his international debut against Australia during the 2007–08 Commonwealth Bank Series.
For which IPL teams has Manoj Tiwary played?
Tiwary has represented Delhi Daredevils, Kings XI Punjab, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Rising Pune Supergiant in the IPL.
What is Manoj Tiwary's highest score in the Ranji Trophy?
During the 2006-07 Ranji Trophy season, Tiwary scored 796 runs at an average of 99.50, which remains one of his most notable domestic performances.
Has Manoj Tiwary ventured into any profession other than cricket?
Yes, in 2021, Manoj Tiwary ventured into politics, joining the All India Trinamool Congress and was subsequently elected to the West Bengal Legislative Assembly.
Where was Manoj Tiwary born?
Manoj Tiwary was born in Howrah, Bengal.
