World T20 selection will be on our minds: Tiwary

Once again ready to present his case in front of the Indian selectors, Delhi Daredevils batsman Manoj Tiwary feels that this edition of IPL will be important for him in the context of next year’s ICC World T20 which is scheduled to be held in India.

Tiwary, who has represented India in nine ODIs, feels that IPL is indeed a great platform to make a comeback.

“Obviously, if we look back at the IPL from season-1, there are players who have played for India after doing well in IPL but now it’s not the case. You have to perform well in IPL and back it up with a good domestic performance. So have to to keep performing to get where you eventually want to be.

“Our aim is to be part of the Indian national team and so obviously IPL is a big platform and with World T20 coming next year, we have to perform well in this format. At the back of our minds, it will be there, because if we do well the selectors might give us a chance and have faith again,” Tiwary said in open interaction organised by the Delhi Daredevils.

From Daredevils (2008, 09) to Kolkata Knight Riders (2010, 11, 12, 13) and now back to DD Tiwary has had quite a T20 journey apart from three matches in Indian colours but the Bengal batsman still believes that Test cricket is the purest form.

“In T20, you just have to go out there and perform. This is not the real cricket. I always believe that real cricket is Test cricket. In this format, we just have to go out, back our skills and play to our potential,” said Tiwary. 

In an age of power-hitters, the 29-year-old Tiwary relies on the Bradman style of batting.

“It’s not about powerhitting, it’s more about timing. If you watched me over the years, I am more of a timer than a power hitter. We do see powerhitting from strong physically-built players, but as a player we have to know our strength as well. Just following the trend is not an ideal preparation, knowing your strength is,” he said.