Manoj Tiwary signs up with Mohun Bagan for two seasons

Veteran Bengal cricketer Manoj Tiwary is all set to join the Kolkata’s supreme club Mohun Bagan for the next two local seasons. He recently signed a two year contract with a club at a sum of INR 5 lakh per year. The last time he had played for the iconic club was back in the 2009-10 season. As per the quotes in Xtratime, Tiwary expressed that he is keen on doing well for the side.

Manoj Tiwary remarked that the team did not win any trophies last year and he would want to change that story line. Speaking further, he explained that he wishes to be the leading run getter and thus impress the selectors yet again.

“My main aim of joining Mohun Bagan is to win trophies as last season the club didn’t win trophies. The only motive is to play well, become the highest run getter and the best cricketer,” quoted Manoj Tiwary.

Talking about the opportunity, he believes that playing with the pink ball will help him develop his game an inch more. He noted that he has only played one pink ball game thus far and has made a few adjustments to his game to ensure that he finds success against the pink ball.

“Yes it’s a good opportunity. I will be playing with the pink ball for the first time in a day and night match, so the preparation is ongoing continuously at the moment. Having played only one game in the pink ball I am improving my stances for that. I have made my stance to a high backlift and have opted to bat in an open stance to manage the pink ball which swings a lot,” said the veteran Bengal cricketer.

On Pragyan Ojha

When asked to comment on the controversial Pragyan Ojha issue, Manoj Tiwary pointed out that the players and team management have been contacting him. Also, the team has asked him to report for practice but in vain. Last year, Ojha had a fallout with the players of team Bengal in the Ranji Trophy.

“I have not had a talk with him. Many have called him but his phone is switched off. We as a team are prepared for any outcome. He has been asked to join the team but for what reasons he is not joining is unknown to all. All the boys are focused in their own work and are trying to improve their game,” conceded Tiwary.

On the positives

Citing the positives for Bengal cricket in the upcoming season, Tiwary feels that the addition of VVS Laxman to the roster will help the players learn more. Also, the pleasure of playing at home will be back this season.

“VVS Laxman joining the camp has been a big mental boost up and we constantly get valuable input for the last couple of years. Playing in the home ground is of a great advantage for us. We feel great when the fans turn up in the stadiums to cheer us,” he concluded.