Manoj Tiwary Exclusive | "Opportunities will not come on your plate," Tiwary on zero bids for Bengal players in IPL auction
Manoj Tiwary, the former IPL winner with KKR wants Bengal players to showcase their talents in the upcoming Bengal Premier League and let the franchises know what they are missing out on.
Manoj Tiwary, a player with one IPL trophy, played in two IPL finals, nearly 10000 first-class runs and surely a living legend of Bengal cricket, feels Bengal players need to go a cut above the rest to attract bids from IPL teams. The 38-year-old batter who started preparation for his final season in first-class cricket on Friday by playing a club cricket game in the first-division league, shared his thoughts on Bengal cricket, players and his preparations for the Ranji Trophy exclusively on Sportz Point
Manoj had announced retirement just before the start of the season had started but then took back the retirement after a request from CAB President Snehasish Ganguly and a rebuke from his wife. Then, he announced that this red-ball season would be his last in first-class cricket and he will again go after the Ranji Trophy.
Tiwary's decision to retire after last year's heartbreak in the final was ovioulsy influenced by his knee problems over the years. But, after batting for more than 6 hours, against a good promising young bowlers of Tapan Memorial, Tiwary feels he is in good condition to start the season.
Manoj Tiwary batting in a club game in CAB First-Division League for Barisha Sporting Club at Eden Gardens.
After battling through a hostile bowling from a young U-23 pacer named Vivek Rishav in the late evening at Eden Gardens, Manoj said, "We will get two matches to prepare ourselves before the start of the Ranji Trophy. So, I wanted to take advantage of that and get ready for the season. This is the first time I went to bat in a match after last year's final, felt good."
"The knee is doing just fine. The habit of weaking up again on 6.30 in the morning will take some time to adjust. But, yes, the body is getting used to it now."
"It feels good to do what I am doing since my childhood. The team needed me to bat the day out, I was able to do that. So, I am happy," Manoj added after remaining unbeaten after Day 1's play between Barisha Sporting and Tapan Memorial.
Manoj Tiwary is just 92 runs away from completing 10000 first-class runs.
On a day when the headlines should have been about Manoj Tiwary starting his season, two young pacers of Bengal impressed one and all. Debopratim Halder, who was in the white-ball squad for Bengal, took a six-wicket haul to impress his captain.
Along with him, another young pacer Rishabh Vivek caught the eyes of the former Bengal captain with some pace and accuracy.
"Yes, these lads are good. This was the first-time I saw Debopratim bowling. Good. I heard he was in the white-ball squad as well. We will not have Mukesh and Akashdeep most of the times now. So, it is good that young bowlers are coming up as well.
Vivek, the bowler from the opponent is good as well. But, obviously, they will have to keep doing this day and day out for the teams they are playing," Manoj expressed.
Manoj Tiwary played a vital knock of 63 from 141 balls for Barisha Sporting Club. Debopratim Halder took 33/6 while Rishabh Vivek finished with 86/5 as Barisha took 7 points against Tapan Memorial at Eden Gardens.
Manoj Tiwary after hitting the winning runs to win the IPL 2012 for KKR. Image | BCCI
In the recently concluded IPL 2024 Auction, there were nine players in the final list from Cricket Assoication of Bengal. However, unfortunately, none of them were able to attract any bids from any franchises.
Is it something the franchises are missing constantly or the Bengal players are not just been good enough? We asked the 2012 IPL Champion with Kolkata Knight Riders.
"Look, from a player's perspective I feel that the opportunities will not come on your plate. I feel no one should hope and pray that I will get into the teams with the help of someone."
'Many players have played in IPL and the highest level from Bengal, but without any help from anyone. Players will have to cut out all the things which are restricting them from going to that level."
"We players have to fight every time and keep showing why we deserve to be here. There will be a Bengal Premier League in coming months. So, surely these players will have the opportunity to showcase their talent and the make the franchises see what they are missing out on," Manoj told Sportz Point.
Ranji Trophy 2025-26: Which matches will be streamed LIVE?
The Ranji Trophy 2025–26 is set to begin on October 15 and run until February 28, bringing some important changes to India’s most prestigious domestic cricket tournament.
The Ranji Trophy 2025–26 is set to begin on October 15 and run until February 28, bringing some important changes to India’s most prestigious domestic cricket tournament. This season, the BCCI has introduced a revamped promotion and relegation system, where only one team will move between the Elite and Plate groups, replacing the earlier system that promoted both Plate finalists.
A total of 38 teams will be participating, split across the Elite and Plate divisions, with a round-robin league phase followed by knockouts, leading up to the grand final on February 28, 2026. The top two teams from each Elite group will advance to the quarter-finals, resulting in an eight-team knockout stage.
Meanwhile, the Plate category includes six teams in one group, also playing a round-robin format. The leading four Plate teams then move into their own knockout phase to decide the Plate champion and rankings.
The tournament will be split into two phases, first from mid-October to mid-November, and then resuming late January until the knockouts in February. In total, 138 matches will be played throughout the season.
Ranji Trophy 2025-26: Live streaming Details
The Ranji Trophy 2025-26 will be streamed LIVE on the JioHotstar app and website, accessible via OTTplay Premium. However, not all of the matches will be streamed.
JioHotstar is the main platform for streaming live Ranji Trophy matches this season. Over the past few years, it has emerged as a preferred destination for fans to follow India’s domestic cricket, thanks to its consistent coverage of tournaments.
From Easwaran to Manoj: 12 Indian players who scored most FC runs without playing tests for India
From Abhimanyu Easwaran, Manish Pandey, to Manoj Tiwary, here are the 12 Indian players who scored the most first-class runs without playing tests for India.
Getting an Indian team call-up for any cricketer in India is a lot more difficult than debuting for another country. Because the game of bat and ball is so very popular in the sub-continent, almost everyone who instantly loves the sport wants to play for the Indian national team. Over the years, there have been many such instances where even the years of strenuous grind in first-class cricket have still not been enough for certain players to make their mark in the national team.
In this article, we will take a look at those 12 Indian players who scored the most first-class runs without playing tests for India.
Indian players who scored the most FC runs without playing tests for India
1. Amol Muzumdar | 11167 runs
Image | HT via Getty Images
Probably the unluckiest Indian ever to not play a test match for India. Amol Muzumdar, the domestic stalwart, scored 11,167 first-class runs while playing for Mumbai, Andhra Pradesh and India-A teams.
The right-handed batter has played 171 first-class matches in his career. He was the number three batter for Shardashram English school when Sachin Tendulkar and Vinod Kambli had their world-record 664-run partnership.
Due to great Indian batting lineup during his era, the Mumbai batter never got to play for India.
2. Manoj Tiwary | 10195 Runs
Tiwary after a milestone during a Ranji Trophy game. Image | Sportz Point
Although Bengal-born player Manoj Tiwary had a great first-class record, he never played Tests for India. Tiwary was a key figure for Bengal, scoring 10,195 runs in 148 matches, with a top score of 303*.
He even returned from retirement to captain Bengal in the 2024 Ranji Trophy, finishing his career in a big win over Bihar.
Manoj featured for India in 12 ODIs and 3 T20Is for India. But he was not given a chance to represent India in tests.
3. Devendra Bundela | 10004 Runs
Image | The Hindu
Devendra Bundela, the most capped cricketer in the history of the Ranji Trophy, had a phenomenal 23-season career in first-class cricket. Since making his first-class debut in 1995-96, Bundela emerged as the backbone of Madhya Pradesh’s batting. He finished with 10,004 runs in first-class cricket and 58 wickets in the bag in 2017.
Though Bundela couldn’t make it to India’s squad, the closest he came to earning an India call-up was when he toured the West Indies with the India A squad and was selected for the Board President’s XI against the touring New Zealanders in 1999.
4. Paras Dogra | 9996 Runs
Image | sportstiger
Paras Dogra etched his name into the history books as he became the highest run-getter in the all-time list in the Ranji Trophy.
Dogra had previously played for India ‘A’ and represented his home state, Himachal Pradesh, before shifting to Pondicherry for the 2018-19 to 2023-24 seasons. The right-handed batter has accumulated an impressive 9,996 runs in 143 first-class matches.
Yashpal Singh has played for Services in domestic cricket, where he boasted an average of over 60. He has been a prolific run-getter in the one-day format as well. He made his first-class debut against Delhi in 2001/02 and made two half-centuries against a strong bowling line-up of the opposition.
In his next match, he scored a double hundred, which included 10 sixes. Yashpal finished with 9777 first-class runs to his name while playing 134 matches.
Yashpal was bought by the Kolkata Knight Riders in the first few seasons of the IPL, but was later signed by the Kochi Tuskers Kerala in 2011.
6. Faiz Fazal | 9184 Runs
Faiz Fazal was one of the most highly talented Indian cricketers to not get enough chances in the side. His only appearance at the highest level was against Zimbabwe in 2016. In the only ODI he played, Fazal scored an unbeaten 55*(61) and impressed everyone. Unfortunately, he never played for India again due to age not being on his side and a lack of backing.
Fazal played 138 matches in First-Class cricket and scored 9,184 runs at an average of 41.00. Additionally, he was a useful part-time bowler and claimed 23 and 7 wickets in First-Class and List A cricket, respectively.
Panchal's cricket career spans an impressive 127 First-Class matches, during which he accumulated 8,856 runs with an average of 45.18, including 29 centuries and 34 fifties.
Panchal’s red-ball exploits earned him a place in the India A side, which he captained in several matches. He received a couple of Test call-ups, coming closest to a debut during India's 2021-22 South Africa tour when he was named a replacement for the injured Rohit Sharma.
The other call-up was when he was announced as one of the back-up openers alongside Abhimanyu Easwaran in the 2021 home series against England. However, Panchal never got picked in the India XI.
Ankit Bawne has had an intriguing career. He made his first-class debut at 15, in 2007-08, and established himself as a regular in the Maharashtra side in three years. Since 2010-11, he has never averaged less than 45 in a Ranji Trophy season. Bawne has 8289 runs in 123 first-class matches.
Ankit Bawne also featured in India A‘s lineup during the recently concluded tour of England. Although he wasn’t able to put together big knocks.
9. Saurabh Tiwary | 8076 Runs
Image | Getty
Saurabh Tiwary's legacy in Jharkhand cricket is nothing short of legendary. With an impressive tally of 8076 first-class runs, 4050 List A runs, and 3454 T20 runs, he left behind a rich cricketing legacy that will be cherished for years to come.
Talking about his international career, the southpaw collected 49 runs in the three ODIs that he played for the country in 2010. But he never played test cricket for India.
10. Manish Pandey | 7823 Runs
Image | PTI
In one night, Manish Pandey went from being Karnataka’s next big Ranji hope to entering the record books. Life after that hasn’t been exactly smooth for the right-hander as he witnessed a mixed run of form in the domestic circuit.
Pandey smashed 7823 runs in 113 first-class matches. Pandey had a heartbreaking end to the 2009-10 season, when he almost took Karnataka to victory over Mumbai in the finals of the Ranji Trophy. However, his excellent 144 in the fourth innings was not enough as Karnataka fell short by 6 runs.
Having performed well in India’s tour of Zimbabwe proved that he has the potential to succeed at the highest level. He was picked in the Board President’s XI to play against South Africa in early 2010, and scored a pleasing 43, but fell when he looked good for more.
Despite being one of the most consistent performers in domestic cricket, Bengal opener Abhimanyu Easwaran has been constantly rejected from Team India’s Test squad. The former India A captain, who has 27 centuries to his name in first-class cricket, has carried drinks for the national team on multiple occasions but is yet to make his long-awaited international debut.
Easwaran’s domestic numbers highlight his consistency. In 104 first-class matches, he has scored 7,885 runs at an impressive average of 48.67, with 27 centuries and 31 fifties.
In List A cricket, he has 3,857 runs from 89 matches at an average of 47.03, including nine centuries and 23 half-centuries. Yet, despite these staggering statistics, the wait for his India debut continues.
A middle-order batter, Mithun Manhas, belonged to a generation when Indian cricket was dominated by Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, and VVS Laxman. Despite being one of the consistent performers for Delhi in his long domestic career, Manhas couldn’t break into the Indian team, often proving that he was one of the many cricketers born in the wrong era.
Manhas has played 124 First-Class matches and scored 7691 runs. He also featured in the IPL for teams like the Delhi Daredevils, the Pune Warriors, and the Chennai Super Kings.
13. Sheldon Jackson | 7283 Runs
Sheldon Jackson had a successful domestic career. He was an integral part of Saurashtra winning the Ranji Trophy twice, in 2019/20 and 2022/23. He also won the Vijay Hazare Trophy, the domestic 50-over tournament twice, once as a rookie in 2007/08 and then as a senior pro in the 2022/23 season. He was Saurashtra’s leading run-getter in the 2019/20 Ranji triumph.
The middle-order batter has hung up his boots after scoring 7283 runs in 106 First Class matches at an average of 45.80, including 21 centuries and 39 fifties.
The BCCI has announced the schedule for the new BCCI domestic season 2025-26. BCCI not only announced the schedule for domestic tournaments, but also announced changes to the format of several key tournaments, including the Ranji Trophy.
The BCCI domestic season 2025-26 has been started with the Duleep Trophy beginning on August 28 and extended till September 15.
The 2025-26 Ranji Trophy will be held in two phases from October 15 to February 28. Significantly, two Plate Group teams will be changed this time. Till now, two teams were promoted and relegated from the Plate Group, but now only one team will be promoted to the Elite Division and one team will be sent to the Plate Division.
The BCCI added nine new teams to the Ranji Trophy in 2018-19, including states from the Northeast. However, this decision impacted the quality of cricket in the tournament. Meghalaya played in the Elite Division last season but lost all of its matches.
To address this, the Ranji Trophy format has been modified. The BCCI has decided to implement the same promotion and relegation system for all senior and junior multi-day tournaments starting in the 2026-27 season. This decision has been taken with the aim of maintaining competition in Indian domestic cricket and improving the quality of teams.
Zonal format returns to Duleep Trophy
Before the Ranji Trophy, the domestic season has been with the Duleep Trophy, which played from August 28 to September 15. It held in a zonal format. Players selected by a zonal selection committee.
The Irani Cup will be played from October 1 to 5. India's premier domestic T20 competition, the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, will be held from November 26 to December 18. The Plate Division has also been reintroduced in this tournament.
Changes in SMAT
This season, teams will play three additional matches in the Super League round, along with the quarter-finals and semi-finals. The top teams from Group A and Group B will meet in the final.
Meanwhile, the six weakest teams from last season will play in the Plate Group. The BCCI also clarified that in all white-ball tournaments, the advancement of teams tied in the group stage will now be determined based on net run rate (NRR).
Bengal Cricket Exclusive: 'Dibbly Dobbly,' a Facebook page's creation, is helping cricket stories return to households
Bengal cricket enthusiasts are in for a treat this September as the Facebook community 'Cricket Club House' (CCH) launches its new Bengali cricket e-magazine, "Dibbly Dobbly," on September 23rd.
An image from Bengal vs Haryana Ranji Trophy match at Eden Gardens.
Bengal cricket fans have a reason to celebrate this September as 'Cricket Club House' [ক্রিকেট ক্লাব হাউস in Bengali](CCH), a Facebook page or community, prepares to launch an exciting new Bengali cricket e-magazine alongside an action-packed tournament. On 23rd September, coinciding with CCH’s birth anniversary, the group will release "Dibbly Dobbly,” a magazine priced at Rs. 80 that promises to engage cricket enthusiasts with gripping stories, expert analysis, and fun quizzes.
'Dibbly Dobbly' - A homage to unique cricket stories
The magazine features contributions from acclaimed Bengali sports writers like Kalarab Ray, Partha Dey, Saptak Sanyal and Anish Mukherjee, offering deep insights into the sport.
The unique title “Dibbly Dobbly” pays homage to the medium and part-time pacers of the 1980s and 90s, known for their surprising effectiveness, mirroring the humble but passionate spirit of the growing CCH community.
Beyond literature, CCH is energising the field with the “CCH PRESENTS: Camaraderie Trophy” cricket tournament, kicking off on 20th September at Bounce Turf in North Dumdum near ILS Hospital.
This competition will see eight teams of nine players each (including one impact player) battling it out in five-over matches with at least three group league games.
The winners will receive Rs. 7,000 and a trophy, while the runners-up will receive Rs. 4,000 and a trophy.Special awards for the Man of the Finals and the Man of the Tournament will also be presented. Team registration costs Rs. 3,500 and is open via WhatsApp.
A notable highlight is the inclusion of a women’s tournament, reflecting CCH’s commitment to promoting cricket among women from the outset. Despite limited resources, the group is organising all aspects of the magazine and tournaments with dedication, demonstrating strong vision and quality leadership.
CCH's vision - a new high in Bengali sports community
CCH’s drive to deliver high-quality events and content is already gaining traction within the Bengali sports community, laying the foundations for future expansion. The group is actively seeking visionary investors to support its mission of enriching the sports ecosystem through innovative cricket initiatives and events.
Ranji Trophy: Ajinkya Rahane steps down from Mumbai captaincy ahead of the new season
Ajinkya Rahane decided to step down from Mumbai Ranji Trophy team for forthcoming season. Rahane posted on X that he will continue to be available to play for Mumbai.
Veteran batsman Ajinkya Rahane, on Thursday, has resigned from the captaincy ahead of the upcoming Ranji Trophy season. In a message on social media, Rahane made it clear that this is the time when the team should get a chance to develop new leadership.
Captaining and winning championships with the Mumbai team has been an absolute honour.
With a new domestic season ahead, I believe it’s the right time to groom a new leader, and hence I’ve decided not to continue in the captaincy role.
'I believe it’s the right time to groom a new leader'
Rahane posted on his social media account that he would not continue as Mumbai captain in Ranji Trophy but would continue to represent the side as a player.
“Captaining and winning championships with the Mumbai team has been an absolute honour. With a new domestic season ahead, I believe it’s the right time to groom a new leader, and hence I’ve decided not to continue in the captaincy role. I remain fully committed to giving my best as a player and will continue my journey with @MumbaiCricAssoc to help us win more trophies. Looking forward to the season,” Rahane wrote on his X account.
Mumbai Team under Rahane's captaincy
Under Rahane's captaincy, Mumbai achieved stability and success in domestic cricket. Under his leadership, Mumbai ended a seven-year drought by winning the Ranji Trophy in 2023–24. Apart from this, he also led the team to victory in the Irani Cup in 2024-25 and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in 2022-23. These victories took his captaincy to new heights.
Despite giving up captaincy, the 37-year-old, who has scored over 14,000 runs in 201 first-class matches, made it clear that he is not retiring. He will continue to represent Mumbai as a batsman in all formats.
Rahane said that he will work for the team as a batsman with full enthusiasm and commitment. His main goal is to bring success to the team and help the new captain in his development.
India allrounder Shardul Thakur will lead the Mumbai Ranji Trophy team for forthcoming season.
Thakur leading Mumbai was always on the cards especially after he was appointed as West Zone captain for Duleep Trophy. It is understood that the Mumbai senior selection committee spoke to Rahane before the season and had taken his feedback about future captaincy candidates.
Thakur has been playing a vital role in Mumbai’s Ranji success over the past few years. In addition to wickets, he has also bailed out Mumbai with lower-order runs. He also scored 505 runs for Mumbai last season where he slammed one hundred. He also took 35 wickets in nine matches.
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