Manoj Tiwary credits Dhoni for his success

After scoring his maiden International century against the West Indies last year, Manoj Tiwary had to wait for 14 matches before he got another break in the national side when he played the third one-day International, against Sri Lanka, in the recently concluded series.

And from there on, he utilised the opportunities to the fullest. Not only did he score runs — hitting a fluent half-century — he also took four wickets in one match with his leg-breaks..

On Wednesday, talking after his arrival in the city, Manoj credited captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni for his impressive outing during the Sri Lanka tour.

“I used to bowl off-spin before I went to Sri Lanka... But Dhoni suggested I bowl leg-spin. Though the team does have an off-spinner and a leg-spinner in the form of Ravichandran Ashwin and Rahul Sharma, if I could bowl leg-spin, I would give him more options, Dhoni said. So, I started bowling leg-spin at the nets.

“I didn’t think that I would be so successful by bowling leg-spin. But, as it turned out, I not only troubled the Sri Lankan batsmen, but also got four wickets. So, you can say that Dhoni discovered a new talent in me.”

For Manoj, success tasted sweeter as it came to him after a lot of hard work.

“Apart from taking those four wickets, it was equally important that I contribute with the bat as well. Although I missed out on an opportunity to score a hundred, I’m glad that I could score a fifty… That innings helped me to prove myself as a batsman. I have worked hard on my batting and my hard work is finally paying off.”

Manoj sounded confident about his chances of getting selected for the World T20, which is scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka from September 18, and the Test team against New Zealand as well.

“I believe I have proved my worth... I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I will get selected for World T20 and the Test team.”

For the record, the selectors will select the Test team for the New Zealand series on Friday.

While Manoj is optimistic about his chances, another Bengal-lad, Ashok Dinda, reckons that he can also make it to the Test side after his consistent performances.

“I’m happy that I have utilised the opportunities that I got on the tour… Working with the new bowling coach, John Dawes, has also helped. I have improved as a bowler. I hope I will get a chance in the Test squad,” Dinda said.