Manoj Tiwary, India and Bengal cricketer, officially bid farewell to all forms of cricket on Thursday. Taking to his Instagram account, Tiwary shared a heartfelt message, saying his goodbye to the gentlemen’s game.
Tiwary’s international cricket journey had its ups and downs. His last appearance for India was in 2015, during an ODI series in Zimbabwe. Prior to that, he had a brief stint with the Indian squad in the 2011-12 season, where he showcased his prowess with an impressive 104* against the West Indies in Chennai. Unfortunately, he was dropped from the team soon after.
Despite not making a substantial impact on the international stage, Tiwary continued to excel in the domestic arena, particularly in First-Class cricket representing Bengal. His illustrious first-class career saw him amass over 9,000 runs with a commendable average of 48-plus. This included an impressive tally of 29 centuries and 45 half-centuries, with his highest individual score being an unbeaten 303*. However, his dream of winning the coveted Ranji Trophy with Bengal remained unfulfilled.
Taking to his Instagram account, Tiwary wrote: “Goodbye to the game of cricket. This game has given me everything, I mean every single thing which I had never dreamt of,starting from the times when my life were challenged by different forms of difficulties. Will ever be grateful to this game and to the 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 my 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 cricketing circle,” Tiwary added before further writing, “And to all my teammates, past and present and also to the cricket association of bengal, and all the members of the associations who all have played a role in my journey. And how can I not mention to the cricketing admirers who all have wished me throughout my ups and downs and made me a cricketing figure in today’s world. A big thank u from the bottom of my heart. That’s it. THANK YOU CRICKET.”
View this post on Instagram
Apart from his cricketing achievements, Tiwary has also taken on a significant role in the realm of politics. He currently serves as West Bengal’s Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports.
As he bids farewell to the game that has been an integral part of his life, Tiwary will undoubtedly be remembered for his contributions to Indian cricket and his stellar performances in domestic cricket.