WATCH: Manoj Tiwary's Sweet Gesture While Celebrating His Century In Ranji Trophy Semi-Final

Manoj Tiwary is giving his everything to win the Ranji Trophy for Bengal. He hasn't done it in the last 18 years but has gotten close thrice (2005-06, 2006-07, & 2019-20). 2022 brings in yet another opportunity for the 36-year-old to finally get hold of the trophy before he retires. 

"I have been very close to becoming a Ranji champion but was unlucky three times. Before I retire, I want to hold that Ranji Trophy," Tiwary had said to Sportstar recently. 

Tiwary is one of those rare players who is continuing to play cricket professionally after joining a political party - The All India Trinamool Congress party - and holding a seat as a minister of state for the Affairs of Sports and Youth. His passion for cricket made him want to compete and win.

In the semi-finals of the Ranji Trophy, Tiwary struck a timely century coming to bat at number five when Bengal was struggling at 11/3 inside four overs. 

Tiwary struck 102 in 211 balls with the help of 12 fours. During his inning, Tiwary added a crucial 183-run stand for the sixth wicket with Shahbaz Ahmed, who also made 116 runs. 

When Manoj Tiwary reached his 29th first-class century and second consecutive one, he acknowledged the support of his family. He took out a piece of paper in which he mentioned the name of his wife and his two kids. 

Also Read: Scorecard

Apart from Manoj Tiwary and Shahbaz Ahmed's century none of the batters couldn't give good support as Bengal got all out for 273, 68 runs behind Madhya Pradesh's total of 341 in the first inning.