After Tiwari high, Bengal cricket hit by Bose refusal

Kolkata, Aug 30 (UNI) Bengal cricket's roller-coaster ride continues unabated with newly appointed captain Manoj Tiwari getting a call in the India 'A' side and his deputy Ranadeb Bose refusing the crown when offered for the Moin-ud-Daula Trophy.

Manoj Tiwari will make a comeback to the India 'A' side for the home series against South Africa 'A' after a long injury lay-off.

He was a part of India's one-day side for the tour of Bangladesh.

But a freak shoulder injury cut short his international career even before it took-off. Now with India physio John Gloster giving him a clean chit, the 22-year old batsman was back in the reckoning and will take guard against the Proteas.

''It feels good to be back in the reckoning. With so many talented young batsmen playing now, a loss of few months sets you back by a long way. Cheteswar Pujara and Rohit Sharma are playing really well. I need to do well in this series,'' Tiwari said.

However, as Tiwari's recall was being celebrated, Bengal cricket plunged into a new crisis with his deputy Ranadeb Bose refusing the captaincy offer for the tournament.

According to Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) joint secretary Samar Pal, Bose had requested the CAB to release him from the burden of captaincy because he wanted to concentrate on his cricket.

''Rano had called me and said he wanted to concentrate on his own game. He has a chance of making it to the Indian side for the Australia and Pakistan series. He is not ready to add the burden of captaincy now,'' a diplomatic Pal said.

Bose said, ''We have to keep in mind that I was not the first choice. I think if that's the case and I am only a stopgap arrangement, I think someone else should take up the responsibility.

It should be given to someone with a potential. And cricket is always there, I will like to concentrate on my game and try my best to find a berth in the National side. It is time to groom a youngster who can take it on a long time basis.'' With two series against Australia and Pakistan in the offing, a good show could be the right pep both the Bengal stars need to resurrect their careers.

''We have two big series against Australia and Pakistan. If I can do well here, who knows I can again get a shot at international cricket again,'' Tiwari said.

''I am concentrating on my bowling and notch up a few good performances. It will help me get a national berth I hope,'' Bose said.

Talking about his recall, Tiwari, who preferred number four spot in the batting order, said, ''I will like to play at my favourite position but ultimately it all depends on the team management.'' Ready to roll his arms, Tiwari quipped, ''The spinners will play a very important role in Indian conditions. They are not comfortable playing the spin, that should work in our advantage. I consider myself as an all-rounder and I think my off-spin will also come in handy.'' With Tiwari unavailable and Bose refusing, Pal seemed to be in a spot. He refused to name a new captain and said, ''The coach, manager and one of the selectors will be in Hyderabad. It's up to them to choose a captain. It's the selectors' job, we the administrators cannot comment about it.'' Manoj is due to play the first game of the tournament.

Team: Manoj Tewari (Captain), Ranadeb Bose (vice-captain), Arindam Das, Shib Shankar Paul, Ashok Dinda, Sourav Sarkar, Anushtup Majumdar, Rohan Gavaskar, Wrridhiman Saha, Kamal Hasan Mondal, Arindam Bose, Partha Sarathi Bhattacharya, Soham Ghosh, Priyankar Chatterjee, I Saxena, Kirti Sarkar.

Standby: Amit Biswas and Rana Chowdhury.

UNI