Breaking into the Indian cricket team is an achievement that countless cricketers dream of, but maintaining a position in the squad has proven to be an even greater challenge. Over the years, many promising talents have disappeared after making their international debut, while others have failed to get their break despite stellar performances in domestic cricket. The story of Manoj Tiwary is one such tale of talent, perseverance, and unfulfilled dreams that resonates with the harsh realities of professional sports.
Manoj Tiwary, a stalwart of Indian domestic cricket, bid adieu to his playing career with a sense of accomplishment yet mixed feelings. His journey, marked by exceptional performances and untimely setbacks, culminated in a memorable farewell game at the Eden Gardens, where he led Bengal to a remarkable victory over Bihar in their final league-stage match of the Ranji Trophy season. Tiwary’s retirement wasn’t just the end of an illustrious first-class career but also a moment of reflection on what could have been.
Born with a bat in hand, Tiwary’s cricketing journey was nothing short of a roller coaster. Making his debut for India in 2008, he donned the national colors in 12 One Day Internationals (ODIs) and three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) over a span of seven years. His moment of glory came in December 2011 when he scored a match-winning 104 not out against West Indies in Chennai, an innings that should have cemented his place in the team. However, fate had other plans.
The aftermath of his century was a prolonged period of exclusion, where Tiwary found himself sidelined for 14 consecutive matches. This period of omission included a tour of Australia in 2012, a series that witnessed the struggle of Indian batting stalwarts like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Suresh Raina. Tiwary’s exclusion, especially when the team was in dire need of form and runs, remains a puzzle to him. In a candid interview with News 18 following his retirement, Tiwary expressed his lingering question to MS Dhoni, the then-captain, seeking an explanation for his omission despite proving his mettle.
Beyond the disappointment of being overlooked for the Australian tour, Tiwary’s heart ached for a Test cap that never came. Despite his impressive average of around 65 after playing 65 first-class matches, and notable performances against touring Australian and English teams in practice matches, the selectors opted for Yuvraj Singh. This decision, according to Tiwary, was a major blow to his confidence and a moment that significantly impacted his career trajectory.
Tiwary’s career, adorned with more than 10,000 runs in 147 first-class matches, is a testament to his skill, dedication, and resilience. However, it also highlights the unpredictable nature of sports selection and the heartbreaks associated with it. His story is a vivid reminder of the thin line between success and obscurity in sports, where decisions off the field can sometimes have a more significant impact than performances on it.
Reflecting on his journey, Tiwary’s biggest regret remains the unanswered questions and the opportunities that slipped through his fingers. His talent, undoubted by those who saw him play, was met with circumstances that curtailed his international career. Yet, in retirement, Tiwary looks back not with bitterness but with a desire for closure and understanding.
As the junior Sports Minister of Bengal, Tiwary’s legacy continues, not just through his records but also through his contribution to nurturing the next generation of cricketers. His story, while unique, is a shared narrative among many athletes worldwide, underscoring the highs and lows of professional sports. It serves as a poignant reminder of the dreams, aspirations, and sometimes, the unfulfilled ambitions of countless athletes who give their all in pursuit of glory on the global stage.