Sat Jan 25 12:32:31 UTC 2025: ## Former Indian Cricketer Manoj Tiwary Opens Up About Hardships and Unfair Treatment
**Mumbai, India** – Former Indian cricketer Manoj Tiwary, who played alongside legends like Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni, has revealed the struggles he faced throughout his career, both on and off the field. In a recent interview with Lallantop, Tiwary shared his experiences of poverty and hard work during his youth, even selling street food to pay off family loans. He also recounted his disappointment at being benched for 14 matches after scoring a century against the West Indies in 2011, a decision he attributes to the unchecked power of the captain at the time, MS Dhoni.
Tiwary, who played 12 ODIs and 3 T20Is for India, highlighted the stark contrast between the demands of playing for state teams and the Indian national team. He pointed out that while state teams offer more flexibility, the national team is solely dictated by the captain’s decisions, a system he believes needs reform. He cited examples from the tenures of Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar, and Mohammad Azharuddin, each dominating team selection during their captaincy. He suggested that a strong administrator is needed to establish clear selection rules, referencing Ajit Agarkar’s current role as BCCI chief selector as a potential catalyst for change.
Despite his impressive Ranji Trophy record, including 796 runs at an average of 99.50 in the 2006-07 season, and his remarkable talent, Tiwary’s international career was cut short. He considered retiring early due to the lack of opportunities but ultimately persevered due to family responsibilities. His candid account sheds light on the intense pressure and unfair treatment faced by some cricketers, even after achieving significant milestones.
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