Kolkata: Bengal captain Manoj Tiwary is confident that his boys will shrug off the failures of the last couple of matches as they face reigning champions Mumbai in a Ranji Trophy Group A match at Nagpur starting from November 29. It will be a very crucial tie for Bengal as a bad result can hamper their chances of making it to the knockout stages. As the team prepares to leave for Nagpur tomorrow, Captain Manoj Tiwary shared his thoughts on the match withxtratime.in correspondent Debasis Sen.
XT: What would you say about the sudden turnaround of fortunes after the great start to the season?
Manoj: Last two matches have not gone our way, although both the matches were very close. I think it is not a time to get panicky and get into a negative mindset. We just have to improve on a few areas where we went wrong. Especially in the game against Baroda we could have bowled and batted a lot better. We haven’t played badly really; it’s just that we lost a few key moments in both the matches.
XT: What are your thoughts about the crucial match coming up against Mumbai?
Manoj: It is going to be a hard fought game. Mumbai is a strong side, and they are the reigning champions as well. We have to play to our strengths if we want to do well. The boys are ready to take the challenge. We will have the belief that we can do well since we have beaten them in KSCA tournament. We have to work really hard in the next two practice sessions and go into the match with a positive frame of mind.
XT: The sudden loss of form by the young batsmen must keep you concerned. What are your thoughts?
Manoj: It’s not a big concern. In Lahli it was an unplayable wicket. I am not thinking too much about the failure in Lahli. It was just one bad game against Tamil Nadu, where we could have batted well. I do not want to take too much stress on the last game.
XT: How heartening was it for you as a captain to see Sourav coming and helping the young batsmen yesterday?
Manoj: It’s so nice of him to come and help the youngsters. He himself took an initiative to organize the practice session. I could sense how badly he wants to see this team to do well. It was good on the part of Dadi (Sourav) to come and share his knowledge and experience. I am sure his input is going to do a world of good for the youngsters. It is up to them now to translate his tips into the match.
XT: How disappointing was it to concede first innings lead against TN?
Manoj: It was a bit disappointing for sure. We almost had them on the mat but the last wicket partnership in the first innings dented our chances. There were a few chances that went a begging as top edges went flying over; catches fell just short of the fielders. Nothing went our way.
XT: What would you say to your boys as captain ahead of the crucial tie against Mumbai?
Manoj: There is nothing much to say. Dada (Sourav) and Sairaj has already spoken to them. The key for us will be staying together as a team. We have to trust on the ability of fellow teammates. We have to successfully execute our plans on the ground. How we approach our game will also be very important. We need to be positive and keep believing in ourselves. I am sure the boys have played a lot to understand how to approach the game. As long as the youngsters are willing to learn from their mistakes I am okay with it.
XT: What are your thoughts on rookie batsman Avishek Raman who has been drafted in the side?
Manoj: I think he got a good potential. He has scored a lot of runs in U’23 tournaments. What I heard about him is that he is a confident guy.
XT: Lastly, to guarantee a place in the knockouts how many points do you think will be safe?
Manoj: I am not thinking about the points at this moment. All we need to do is get two outright wins from the next three matches.