Indian cricketer Manoj Tiwary, renowned for his aggressive batting and impressive performances in domestic cricket, has officially announced his retirement from all forms of the sport. The 37-year-old bid adieu to a remarkable 19-year-long career, during which he represented Bengal in domestic cricket and made valuable contributions to the Indian team.
Tiwary’s journey in first-class cricket commenced in 2004 when he debuted for Bengal at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Over the years, he made 9,908 runs in 141 matches, boasting an impressive average of 48.56. He amassed 29 centuries and 45 half-centuries in 225 innings, with a memorable best score of 303*.
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The prolific batter’s List-A career also left a mark, with 5,581 runs scored at an average of 42.28, including six centuries and 40 half-centuries in 158 innings. Additionally, Tiwary demonstrated his prowess in the T20 format, scoring 3,436 runs in 183 matches at an average of 28.29 and an impressive strike rate of 116.43. He recorded 15 half-centuries in his T20 career, with a highest score of 75*.
Manoj Tiwary’s impressive journey included a stint in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he represented Delhi Daredevils (2008-09), Kolkata Knight Riders (2010-13), Delhi Daredevils (2014-15), Rising Pune Supergiant (2017), and Punjab Kings. In his 96 IPL appearances, Tiwary scored 1,686 runs at an average of 29.07, with seven half-centuries and a commendable strike rate of over 117.
At the international level, Tiwary donned the Indian jersey in 12 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) between 2008 and 2015. In his ODI career, he accumulated 287 runs at an average of 26.09, including one century and a half-century. In the T20 format, he played just one inning, during which he scored a century.
Despite showcasing talent and aggressive hitting, Tiwary faced tough competition for places in the Indian squad and had to endure injuries that disrupted his career progression. Nevertheless, he remained dedicated to the sport and expressed gratitude to all those who played a role in his cricketing journey.
In a heartfelt retirement note on social media, Tiwary expressed his appreciation to his coaches, particularly Manabendra Ghosh, whom he referred to as a father figure and a significant pillar in his cricketing journey. He acknowledged that without Ghosh’s guidance, he would not have reached the heights he achieved.