Manoj Tiwary rewarded for Ranji exploits

Kolkata, Feb 7 (UNI) Bengal dashing batsman Manoj Tiwary, who has been drafted in the Indian team as a standby, may well be the 12th man in the first ODI against Sri Lanka at Eden Gardens tomorrow.

''I have been asked to join the team and check in at the team hotel. I am not sure yet in what capacity,'' Manoj told UNI, visibly elated.

''If I get to practice with the team or play any part, it will be a huge learning experience for me. I am deeply honoured,'' he said.

''I am thrilled as the whole thing came as a big surprise.

Now I am savouring the moment.

''I was informed of the good news by Abhishek Jhunjhunwala, my friend,'' he added.

Manoj has had a fantastic Ranji season this year with an average of 96 and was the highest scorer for Bengal in a Ranji season, eclipsing former India player Arun Lal's record set in 1993-94.

His two innings stand out this season. His 151 against Karnataka in the semi-final at Eden Gardens followed a first innings duck and was made under serious pressure after Bengal had let a first innings advantage slip while chasing 307 on the last day.

Manoj also managed a double century to bat Mumbai out of the league game at Kolkata, allowing Bengal, for the first time in their Ranji Trophy history, to force a follow-on on Mumbai.

The player is a sheer attacker. He loves to score fast and attack the best bowler of the opposition. When Manoj hits a ball it stays hit, when he defends even then there is an element of arrogance in it. Whatever he does, he seems to know what he's doing.

There are no half-measures, no lack of clarity. He's aware of his technical limitations and makes no bones about it. He likes to score quickly, but doesn't stick to the book. He's not wary of taking the aerial route, yet there's is no recklessness to his batting.

The youthful frame and boyish look hides his eagerness to perform and steely resolve. His captaincy for India-A and U-19 Bengal teams has also worked wonders.

In the Ranji final, his valiant and cocky 94 left the job incomplete as Mumbai took the trophy, but nothing could be more rewarding for his efforts than a Team India call-up.

UNI