Manoj Tiwary hangs up boots from all forms of cricket

Former Indian batter and current Bengal Sports and Youth Affairs minister Manoj Tiwary has called it a day from all forms of cricket. His appearance in the final of the 2022-23 Ranji Trophy, in which he led Bengal against Saurashtra in a losing cause at the Eden Gardens, has thus become his last representative game of cricket.

"Goodbye to the game of cricket," Tiwary wrote on his social media. "This game has given me everything, I mean every single thing which I had never dreamt of, starting from the times when my life was challenged by different forms of difficulties. Will ever be grateful to this game and to GOD, who has always been in my side throughout. Taking this opportunity to convey my sincere gratitude to the people who all have played a part in my cricketing journey.

"Thank you to all my coaches starting from my childhood till last year who all have played a part in my cricketing achievements. Manabendra Ghosh, my father figure like coach has been the pillar in the cricketing journey. If he had not been there then I would had not reached anywhere in the cricketing circle. Thank u Sir and wish u a speedy recovery, as your health is not keeping well."

Tiwary has played 12 ODIs and three T20Is for India, but turning up time and again for his state side even when chances of playing for India diminished gradually has been the most impressive aspect of his career. He always merited an automatic selection, but the way he steered the ship by guiding many youngsters added to his folklore. Leading Bengal to two Ranji Trophy finals within three years, Tiwary carved a distinct niche for himself as a leader.

The last time Tiwary turned up for India was against Zimbabwe in 2015, after making his senior India debut back in 2008 against Australia. He never got a consistent run to prove his credentials at the top level, but those who have watched him bat in domestic cricket would attest that he could have played a lot more. He ends up with 9908 runs at an average of 48.56, which included 29 centuries and 45 fifties. He managed an average of 42.28 in List A cricket while accumulating 5581 runs. 

For the longest time, Tiwary had a regular presence in the Indian Premier League, having played 98 games for Delhi Daredevils, Kings XI Punjab, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Rising Pune Supergiant.