Former India and Bengal cricketer Manoj Tiwary on Sunday retired from cricket after leading Bengal in their last match of the Ranji Trophy 2024 season. After the match, Manoj, in an exclusive interview to News18, said he would like to ask Mahendra Singh Dhoni about why he was dropped from the playing XI of the Indian team despite scoring a 100 against West Indies. Manoj also asserted that if he was given chances, he could have turned out like Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli.
Manoj Tiwary had played 12 ODIs and three T20Is for India. However, in spite of the talent Manoj possessed, he could not make his place in the Indian team permanent. Manoj played a fantastic innings against the West Indies in Chennai on December of 2011, scoring 104 not out. However, he was dropped from the playing XI in the next 14 matches.
Manoj, after hanging up his boots, questioned the then captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s decision of keeping him out of the playing XI even after the ton.
On being asked what he would ask Dhoni after retiring, Tiwary said, “I would like to ask Dhoni why was I dropped from the playing XI in 2011 after scoring the century?”
Tiwary went on to say that he could emulate Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s achievements if he was backed properly.
“I had the potential to be a hero just like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli but could not be. Today, when I see many people getting more opportunities on TV, I feel sad.”
