The injury to his right index finger is yet to heal completely. But that’s not a major concern for Manoj Tiwary.

Ahead of Bengal’s Ranji Trophy final versus Saurashtra, which will also be his 100th appearance for Bengal, what seems to be disturbing Tiwary is how he has been taken for a ride by a well-known insurance company.

“Had this issue been sorted out, I would’ve gone into the final with zero concern,” Tiwary said.

“It’s hard-earned money, so can’t just let it go.”

Being the only player in the current side who was a part of the team when Bengal last played the Ranji Trophy final in 2006-07, the former captain is prepared to take both injury and off-field issues in his stride, as he races against time to be fit for the decider that begins on Monday in Rajkot.

“Every final is special and I feel something good may happen this time, unlike our last two finals. If that happens, it will be an icing on the cake as the final is my 100th Ranji Trophy match,” Tiwary told The Telegraph.

“That said, I have to practise well ahead of the game and look to recover as much as possible from the injury. I’ve to see how I need to hold the bat. Considering everything, it’s about being realistic regarding what I need to do.”

Unadkat factor

Jaydev Unadkat has led Saurashtra with aplomb and it’s largely due to their captain’s efforts that they are in the final once again.

“Unadkat’s accuracy is even better now. He is bowling well and can move the ball both ways after pitching in the right areas. He is more patient now. He is bowling three-four over spells, taking proper breaks and is also taking greater responsibility now as a captain. Captaincy I think has made him a better player,” Tiwary observed.

About Pujara’s inclusion in the rival squad, he said: “Obviously, Pujara’s arrival strengthens Saurashtra. Pujara is a proven player and his records are fabulous, so we have to respect that.

“Besides, they even have players like Sheldon Jackson and Arpit Vasavada, who was Man of the Match in the semi-final (versus Gujarat).”

Bengal, though, will not be ruffled by the Unadkat threat or Pujara’s inclusion, Tiwary made it clear. “Our approach will be the same as it was in the previous games. We’ll focus on our strengths. If we play the way we have done till the final, the result will be in our favour,” he emphasised.

‘Darkest’ day

The victory in the semi-final versus Karnataka at Eden Gardens soothed Tiwary to a great extent, for he was also there in that darkest day when Bengal lost to Andhra and were relegated from the Elite Group back in 2007-08. That ignominy too had come at the same ground.

“That was a difficult time. Things went well till the league phase, but maybe we erred in planning by playing on a green top versus Odisha (in Siliguri).

“Then we again played on a green top in a must-win game here and lost to Andhra where a part-timer took five wickets. I still remember it,” he said. “But on this occasion, the way our pacers bowled, that was very heartening to see. Haven’t seen such intimidating bowling of late... Time has come for Bengal to win trophies.”

Like almost on all previous occasions, this season too saw Bengal cricket threatened by a controversy surrounding Ashok Dinda. But this squad has shown enough character to not get rattled. Instead, it left the opponents rattled, Tiwary agreed.

“No one can beat your skills. The game is played on the field. So no matter what happens outside, at the end of the day we have our skill set, mental preparation and the mind space we are in to better our performances.”