Manoj Tiwary: The Unfulfilled Talent of Indian Cricket
The name Manoj Tiwary frequently starts discussions about Indian cricket’s unrealized potential. Tiwary was a talented right-handed batter from Bengal who possessed the guts, skill, and desire for runs that define a world-class cricket player. He never did, however, have the kind of international success that many had envisioned. He struggled for a steady run at the top level and was in and out of the Indian team despite dominating domestic cricket for years.
Early Life and Domestic Career

Manoj Kumar Tiwary was born on November 14, 1985, in Howrah, West Bengal. From a young age, he showed a keen interest in cricket and quickly rose through the ranks in Bengal’s cricketing circuit. A stylish middle-order batsman, Tiwary made his first-class debut for Bengal in the 2004-05 Ranji Trophy season. It didn’t take long for people to notice his talent—his ability to play both pace and spin with ease made him stand out.

His breakthrough moment came in the 2006-07 Ranji Trophy season, where he scored 796 runs at an average of 99.50, including a blistering 260 against Hyderabad. That performance put him on the national selectors’ radar, and soon, he got his maiden India call-up in 2007.

International Career: A Tale of Missed Opportunities.

Tiwary’s international debut, however, was far from ideal. He was picked for the Indian squad against Bangladesh in 2007, but an injury ruled him out before he could play a single game. When he finally got his chance in 2008 against Australia, he was dismissed for just two runs. That rough start meant he had to go back and prove himself again in domestic cricket.

His most memorable international knock came in December 2011, when he scored a magnificent 104 against West Indies* in Chennai. The innings was a masterclass in patience and strokeplay. Unfortunately, despite scoring a century, he was dropped for the next series—a harsh reality of Indian cricket’s intense competition.

Over the next few years, Tiwary was in and out of the squad, mostly warming the bench. In total, he played 12 ODIs and 3 T20Is for India, scoring 287 runs in ODIs at an average of 26.09. For a player of his caliber, those numbers didn’t reflect his
IPL Journey

Tiwary had a successful stint in the Indian Premier League (IPL), playing for teams like Delhi Daredevils (now Capitals), Kolkata Knight Riders, and Rising Pune Supergiants. He was an integral part of KKR’s title-winning campaign in 2012, playing crucial knocks in the middle order. His ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when needed made him a valuable asset in T20 cricket.

One of his most famous IPL moments came in the 2012 final, where he hit the winning runs for KKR against Chennai Super Kings, sealing their first-ever title.

A Stalwart in Domestic Cricket

Despite his limited international opportunities, Tiwary remained a giant in Indian domestic cricket. Over the years, he continued to pile on runs for Bengal, leading them in several Ranji Trophy seasons. He has over 9,000 first-class runs, including multiple double centuries, and has been a consistent performer in List A and T20 cricket as well.

In 2022, Tiwary achieved a rare milestone, scoring a triple century (303) in a Ranji Trophy match against Hyderabad*, proving that his hunger for runs was far from over.

Politics and Life Beyond Cricket

In 2021, Manoj Tiwary took a surprising turn in his career by entering politics. He joined the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) and contested the West Bengal Assembly elections. He won from the Shibpur constituency and was later appointed as the Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports in West Bengal. His transition from cricket to politics was smooth, and he has since been active in state governance.

Legacy and Final Thoughts

Manoj Tiwary’s career is a classic example of how luck and timing play a huge role in Indian cricket. Despite having the skills and temperament, he never got an extended run in the national team. However, his contributions to Bengal cricket and the IPL cannot be ignored.

As he balances his role in politics while still playing for Bengal, Tiwary remains an inspiration—proving that persistence and passion can keep a sportsman going even in the face of setbacks. Whether on the cricket field or in politics, he continues to make an impact in his own way.