Manoj Tiwary keeps proving people wrong. Not just detractors but also his well-wishers who think that he can no longer leave a mark in first-class cricket. The latest proof came last week, when the 37-year-old batter, who is also Bengal's captain, scored a match-winning unbeaten half-century in the second innings of a low-scoring Ranji Trophy match against Baroda.
Following his star turn, Tiwary spoke to My Kolkata about what keeps him going, his aspirations, disappointments and how he manages to strike a balance between being a cricketer and Bengal's minister of state for youth affairs and sports.
Q: Captain of a first-class cricket team and a minister in the state government. How do you juggle your roles?
A: Time management is the key to success. It requires a lot of willpower and positive vibes. You have to put in a lot of extra effort. In my case, my home minister’s (wife Sushmita) permission was very important. She wanted me to continue playing. She has always been very supportive. Without her encouragement, it would not have been possible for me to handle these tasks simultaneously.
Q: You are 37-plus and playing at the senior level for 18 years. What keeps you going?
A: My only motivation is winning the Ranji Trophy (he has been part of three runners-up sides, in 2005-06, 2006-07, 2019-20). I know that I can’t play for India again and I won’t be playing in the IPL either. But I am happy with whatever little I have achieved by the grace of God and the support of my well-wishers. At this stage of my career, winning the Ranji Trophy for Bengal is my ultimate aim. That keeps me going.
Q: There were talks of your retirement at the end of this season. Is that true?
A: Not exactly. I will retire at the end of this season if we win the Ranji Trophy. Otherwise, I will go on to play for another season.
Q: How good is this Bengal side? They are topping the group at the moment.
A: It’s a balanced side. We have a good set of fast bowlers and spinners. The batting strength is not bad either. But we need another opener to complement Abhimanyu Eswaran. He is the only opener to score runs. Others have not lived up to expectations. We also need runs consistently from the lower middle-order too. You have to tick all the boxes to win the Ranji Trophy.
Manoj Tiwary exhibits his willow process File photograph
Q: A lot of people say you have been an unlucky cricketer, who deserved to play more matches for India. Looking back, do you have regrets?
A: I have no regrets but have a few unanswered questions. The team management or the captain (M.S. Dhoni) never told me why I was dropped for 14 matches in a row after scoring a century (in a one-dayer against the West Indies in 2011). That century gave me the belief that I belong to the international level, I am capable of delivering for my country. I was sure of getting more opportunities after that. But there I was, benched for match after match. Those 14 matches took place over seven months. And in cricket, a lot of things can change in seven months. I was at my peak when I did not get a chance to play for India. One day, when I write an autobiography, I will explain the injustice I faced. But yes, that century remains the high point of my career, other than my first Ranji Trophy match for Bengal.
Q: How has life changed after becoming an MLA and then the minister of state for youth affairs and sports?
A: It was a challenging experience. I always wanted to give something back to society. So, when the opportunity came, I accepted the offer. I have faced injustice in my life and I don’t want other sportspersons to undergo that kind of an experience. This is a big responsibility. I visit my constituency six days a week, including Sundays. I am in my office from 11 am to 3.30 pm. I visit people and listen to their problems. It gives me immense satisfaction if I can help someone. When I go to bed, I sleep peacefully!
Q: You come from a humble background (he grew up in a one-room house with two brothers and parents). Now, you have a much better life (he lives in a three-bedroom flat in Active Acres, near the ITC hotels, off the Bypass). How do you describe this journey?
A: It’s about your desire to achieve something and the targets you set. First, you want to do something that makes your parents happy. When I played for the Bengal Under-16 side, I got a match fee of Rs 1,200. It was a massive amount. I played five matches. I thought if I could do this next year, there would be more. That would bring some stability to the family. Of course, money was not the sole incentive, but I did not know prior to this that my love for the game could translate into happiness for my family.
The key is hunger, dedication, perseverance. Most important is discipline. You have to do the same thing day in and day out with an aim of getting better. When I started my cricketing journey, I couldn’t even imagine playing for India. After I played for Bengal Under-16, my next aim was Under-19 and then the senior team. I worked hard. You have to be serious about what you do. At least, that is how I approached it and by the grace of God, I am here today. But then, it’s not over. There’s a long way to go still.
