India batter announces retirement from First-Class cricket amidst India vs England Test series, draws curtain to 18-year career

Bengal's esteemed cricket captain Manoj Tiwary is set to grace the cricket field for one final majestic performance in first-class cricket, as he announces his farewell match during Bengal's encounter with Bihar at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. In a heartwarming announcement on social media, Tiwary shared his decision to retire from Ranji Trophy cricket, accompanying it with an emotional narrative that paid homage to his profound connection with Eden Gardens, his cricketing cradle. He warmly invited fans to witness his final act on this beloved stage, marking the end of an illustrious chapter in his career.

"Hi all, So... It's time for the one last dance! Possibly one last time for a long walk towards my beloved 22 yards. I will miss every bit of it!" Tiwary wrote on X.

"Thanks for cheering and loving me all these years. Would be loving it if you all come down to my favourite #EdenGardens tomorrow and the day after to cheer for Bengal.

"A loyal servant of cricket, your Manoj Tiwary," he added.

Manoj Tiwary had reversed retirement decision last year

Previously, in August last year, Tiwary had declared his retirement from all forms of the game, only to make a dramatic return a week later. Motivated by a deep-seated desire to propel Bengal to Ranji Trophy glory, Tiwary reversed his retirement decision to participate in the 2024 Ranji Trophy. Despite Bengal's heroic efforts, they fell short of reaching the quarter-finals, concluding a campaign that was high on spirit but low on luck.

Manoj Tiwary's remarkable career

Tiwary, who embarked on his first-class journey in 2006, quickly became a beacon of talent, making his way into the Indian national team by 2008. Though his international career was brief, featuring 12 ODIs and 3 T20Is with his last appearance against Zimbabwe in 2015, Tiwary's domestic prowess never waned. This season, he achieved the remarkable milestone of surpassing 10,000 first-class runs, a testament to his consistency and skill, embellished with 30 centuries and 45 fifties.

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