Waiting for the right opportunity: Tiwary
First Published : 31 Jul 2012, 15:11
Last Modified : 31 Jul 2012, 16:54
Colombo, July 31: Promising right-handed batsman Manoj Tiwary finally got his opportunity to don the national colours in the fourth ODI against Sri Lanka in Colombo. Making just his seventh appearance in ODIs mainly due to niggling injuries, the right-hander now finds himself fit and ready to give it his all for Team India.
The 26-year-old was eager to once again stamp his authority on the international stage and expressed his delight at being back in India’s starting XI.
Excerpts from Tiwary’s interview ahead of the start of the fourth ODI
On his recovery after injury.
I had to go through a rehabilitation programme and it isn’t easy as you have to go through the same drills every day. It wasn’t easy for me but I had great support from my family and close friends, which came very handy.
On having to wait a long time before getting a chance.
Thankfully, I have a gift of mental toughness. That’s how I’ve been since childhood. My cricketing career hasn’t been easy and my family conditions were also tough. Facing these things has made me mentally tougher than some of the other guys. The wait wasn’t easy but in professional cricket you have to wait for your chances. There are so many talented players around you who are doing well; you just have to work hard along with them, keep improving and wait for the right opportunity to perform.
On his preparations ahead of the SL series.
I’ve been practising well in the nets and am hitting the ball well out of the middle of the bat. I’m feeling good about my batting. The experience in the West Indies with the A team was very handy for me. I’m just looking forward to this match and want to contribute to the team’s success.
On leading the series 2-1.
This is an important game. We want to win the series by getting a comprehensive win under our belt today. We have been planning very well and just need to execute them in the field. Let’s see how things go.
