India and Bengal cricket legend, Manoj Tiwary, bid farewell to the game that had defined his life and career. The announcement of his retirement from all forms of cricket sent shockwaves through the cricketing community. With a heavy heart, Tiwary took to his Instagram account and wrote, “Goodbye to the game of cricket,” marking the end of an era.
Here’s his Instagram Post:
In a heartfelt farewell message, Manoj Tiwary expresses his gratitude to cricket, which has been his everything. He thanks God, coaches, family, and teammates for their support throughout his cricketing journey. Tiwary acknowledges the role of his father figure coach, Manabendra Ghosh, and expresses his love and appreciation to his wife for her unwavering support. He also extends thanks to the cricket association of Bengal and all the fans who have supported him. Tiwary ends his message with a humble apology if he missed mentioning anyone and expresses his gratitude to cricket for giving his life purpose.
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The Struggles and Triumphs of Manoj Tiwary as an Indian Cricketer
Tiwary’s journey in international cricket was a rollercoaster ride, filled with ups and downs. He made his India debut in an ODI against Australia in 2008, but it wasn’t until three years later that he got another opportunity to showcase his talent. In 2011 and 2012, he managed to secure a few chances to wear the Indian jersey, but inconsistency and injuries plagued his progress. Nevertheless, Tiwary’s perseverance paid off, and he was recalled for one ODI in Bangladesh in 2014 and later played his final series in Zimbabwe in July 2015.
During his time representing India, Tiwary featured in 12 ODIs and 3 T20Is. Although he was part of the India squad for the 2012 T20 World Cup, he unfortunately didn’t get a chance to play in the tournament. In his last appearance for the national team in 2015, he contributed with 34 runs across three ODIs.
Manoj Tiwary: The Backbone of Bengal Cricket
Despite facing setbacks at the international level, Tiwary remained an indispensable part of Bengal cricket. His first-class career flourished as he consistently piled on runs for his state team. Over the years, he accumulated over 9,000 first-class runs at an impressive average of 48-plus. His tally includes an astonishing 29 centuries and 45 half-centuries, with a career-best score of an unbeaten 303.
Tiwary’s near-miss to complete 10,000 runs in first-class cricket by just 92 runs speaks volumes about his consistency and dedication to the game. In List A cricket, he represented Bengal in 169 matches, amassing 5,581 runs at an average of 42.28.
The Comeback and the Final Chapter
Even after retiring from international cricket, Tiwary’s passion for the sport burned bright. It was evident when he decided to return to the field during the 2022-23 domestic season. At the age of 37, he rejoined the Bengal team, taking up the role of a senior statesman and a mentor to the younger players.
Under his leadership, Bengal reached the final of the prestigious domestic tournament at the hallowed Eden Gardens. The team displayed great character and resilience throughout the competition, but they ultimately succumbed to the spirited Saurashtra side in the final. It was a bittersweet moment for Tiwary, as this match also marked the end of his illustrious First-Class career.
The IPL Stint and Beyond
Apart from his domestic success, Tiwary also made his presence felt in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He represented various franchises, including Kolkata Knight Riders, Rising Pune Supergiant, Delhi Capitals (then Delhi Daredevils), and Punjab Kings. Over the course of 183 T20 matches, Tiwary showcased his hard-hitting prowess and scored 3436 runs at a commendable strike rate of 116.43.
However, it wasn’t just cricket that occupied Tiwary’s life. Beyond the cricketing arena, he pursued a successful political career. Currently serving as the Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports in West Bengal, Tiwary continues to contribute to the betterment of society through his involvement in politics.
A Legacy Etched in Time
As Manoj Tiwary bids adieu to professional cricket, his legacy remains etched in the annals of the game. An aggressive batter who broke several records for Bengal, he showcased the transformation of his game, adapting and evolving as he gained experience. Many consider him unlucky for not receiving more opportunities to represent India, given the intense competition for spots and the ever-increasing standards of international cricket.
Manoj Tiwary’s journey is a testament to the undying spirit of perseverance and determination. From the highs of representing India on the international stage to leading Bengal in domestic cricket and transitioning into a successful political career, Tiwary has been an inspiration to countless aspiring cricketers and leaders.
As he steps away from the sport, cricket lovers around the world celebrate the legacy of Manoj Tiwary and wish him the very best in all his future endeavors. The cricketing world will forever remember the contributions of this great player who not only entertained us with his batting heroics but also left an indelible mark on the hearts of millions.
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