Manoj Tiwary: A Voice That Echoes Beyond the Boundary
The cricket pitch is more than a battleground for athletes; it’s a stage where dramas unfold, heroes emerge, and sometimes, controversial shadows loom. Manoj Tiwary, a name well-recognized in the corridors of Indian domestic cricket, has recently turned the spotlight from his batting prowess to shedding light on some underlying issues within the sport’s domestic circuit.
A Question for MS Dhoni
In a poignant inquiry that has caught the attention of cricket enthusiasts and experts alike, Manoj Tiwary recently posed a question to none other than MS Dhoni, the former Indian captain. “मैं धोनी से पूछना चाहूंगा कि शतक बनाने के बाद भी मुझे टीम से बाहर क्यों कर दिया गया था,” Tiwary tweeted, questioning the rationale behind his exclusion from the team despite scoring a century.
मैं धोनी से पूछना चाहूंगा कि शतक बनाने के बाद भी मुझे टीम से बाहर क्यों कर दिया गया था
— Manoj Tiwary (@tiwarymanoj) April 3, 2023"मैं धोनी से पूछना चाहूंगा कि शतक बनाने के बाद भी मुझे टीम से बाहर क्यों कर दिया गया था"
◆ पूर्व क्रिकेटर मनोज तिवारी का बयान @tiwarymanoj | Manoj Tiwary | #ManojTiwary pic.twitter.com/H8WsDGjh17
— News24 (@news24tvchannel) February 20, 2024
The IPL Conundrum
Tiwary’s concerns extend beyond individual grievances. In a candid reflection, he shed light on a phenomenon that seems to be affecting the dedication towards Ranji Trophy post the Indian Premier League (IPL) selections. “Once a player gets an IPL contract, they don’t have the drive to play Ranji Trophy,” he mentioned, pointing towards a shift in focus that potentially undermines the essence of domestic cricket. His perspective was shared on social media, emphasizing concerns about injuries during Ranji matches possibly affecting IPL opportunities.
Manoj Tiwary said “Once a player gets an IPL contract, they don’t have the drive to play Ranji Trophy. There is also the fear that if an injury is sustained during a Ranji Trophy game, it could affect the IPL contract”. [Devendra Pandey From Indian Express]
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) April 4, 2023
Manoj Tiwary said "Once a player gets an IPL contract, they don’t have the drive to play Ranji Trophy. There is also the fear that if an injury is sustained during a Ranji Trophy game, it could affect the IPL contract". [Devendra Pandey From Indian Express] pic.twitter.com/3hA6QlYmnU
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 20, 2024
A Toast to Domestic Umpires?
Moving beyond the playing field, Tiwary has cast a spotlight on another significant aspect of cricket – umpiring. Stirring a conversation that’s hard to ignore, he humorously but earnestly remarked about domestic umpires presenting a rather lounged demeanor, potentially fueled by “whisky on the rocks.” This accusation, half in jest, calls into question the professionalism and preparedness of officiators in domestic cricket matches.
An Emotional Farewell
In what seems to be the twilight of his cricketing journey, Tiwary recently received a “Guard Of Honour” from his team, a gesture that visibly moved him. “Few moments bring tears to your eyes, few moments make you emotional,” he tweeted, encapsulating the profound connection and legacy he leaves behind in Bengal’s domestic cricket.
It will remain a special one indeed. Thank you for the wonderful gesture in the leadership of their captain Ashutosh Aman. 🏏
I will remember this “Guard Of Honour” for ages. ❤️🙌
— MANOJ TIWARY (@tiwarymanoj) March 31, 2023
It will remain a special one indeed. Thank you #TeamBihar for the wonderful gesture in the leadership of their captain Ashutosh Aman. 🏏
I will remember this "Guard Of Honour" for ages. ❤️🙌#GuardOfHonour | #ManojTiwary | #RanjiTrophy pic.twitter.com/07OExwkAqn
— MANOJ TIWARY (@tiwarymanoj) February 17, 2024
The Shadows and the Lights of Indian Cricket
Manoj Tiwary’s reflections serve as a bittersweet reminder of the passion, politics, and untold stories that make cricket in India a spectacle beyond mere sport. From questioning leadership decisions, highlighting the shifts in priorities post-IPL, to bringing a jovial yet serious focus on umpiring standards, Tiwary’s voice elevates the conversation about the beautiful game and its intricate dynamics.
As the sun sets on his illustrious career, Tiwary’s candid revelations not only unveil his experiences but also ignite discussions on reforming and nurturing the future of domestic cricket in India. His story, filled with highs and lows, victories and challenges, will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of cricketers. Meanwhile, the Indian cricket fraternity is left pondering on the questions raised, laughing at the lighter moments but also contemplating the serious undertones of his parting shots.
also read:Indian Cricket Mourns Retirement of Domestic Stalwarts: A Farewell to Legends
Divya 
Mehek