Manoj Tiwary hopes that his performances in Ranji Trophy and IPL earn him a national recall

It took 19.2 overs for the Rising Pune Supergiant to overhaul Kolkata Knight Riders total of 155/8, courtesy a brilliant knock from Man of the Match Rahul Tripathi on Wednesday at the Eden Gardens. Tripathi took on the responsibility after Ajinkya Rahane and Steve Smith fell cheaply, and blasted the bowlers all round the park to register his highest IPL score.

Meanwhile, Tripathi’s teammate Manoj Tiwary too is enjoying a good IPL season with consistent scores throughout. Tiwary During the post-match conference spoke about how important the win against KKR was for the team.

“It was a very important win for us because we were at number four and we knew that if we can win this game we will come ahead in the third spot, so obviously that was in the back of the head. They are such a strong side, they have got a very good balanced team and it was a great game for us to win,” Tiwary said as per the quotes in Indian Express.

Tiwary, who belongs to Howrah in West Bengal, previously was a part of the KKR team. When asked how he felt to have been on the other side of his former franchise, he said that the moments he spent with the Knights were good but for now, Pune is his priority.

“I was part of KKR for four years, I had a very good time here and contributed my stuff to KKR but now I’m playing for other team and obviously when I am playing for other team, I have to be loyal to them. I have to give 100% commitment to that team.”

IPL has been a good platform to get noticed by the selectors for the national team. And for discards too, it is an opportunity to impress and make a return. When asked about what he feels of his chances to wear the Indian jersey once again, Tiwary’s answers was full of optimism.

“I am still looking to make a comeback in the Indian team. The hardwork and the preparation that I have done before coming to IPL, the performances and the score which I have scored are all for making a comeback, and I believe that. I just want to bank on the Ranji Trophy performances along with the IPL and make a strong case again. I have got the experience and I have played international cricket. It’s just that I have to be among runs in the knockout stages as well, and rest is up to the selectors, as obviously I want to play for India again.”

With this win, Pune occupy the third position on the points table, while KKR still remain at No. 2.