Disappointed Manoj Tiwary eyeing India comeback

Though disappointed at not being picked by city franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) during the IPL players auctions, stylish batsman Manoj Tiwary Friday said he was eyeing the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy to get back into reckoning for the national team.

"I have started off and learned all my cricketing tricks at the Eden Gardens and it is disappointing to say the least that I will not be representing the home side here. But nonetheless I am looking forward to play for the Delhi Daredevils," Tiwary told media persons on the sidelines of en event here.

The batsman also expressed dismay over KKR not picking up Bengal players of the likes of Laxmi Ratan Shukla, Wriddhiman Saha, Ashoke Dinda and Mohammed Shami.

"I am not only disappointed for myself, but also for the home crowd who will be missing the home-grown players," said Tiwary, who has been turning out for KKR but was brought off by Delhi Daredevils for Rs.2.80 crore.

He, along with several former and current Bengal players, was present at the launch ceremony of a stadium clock at the Eden Gardens here.

Tiwary, who has represented team India in eight ODIs, said he was looking forward to the Vijay Hazare Trophy which begins Feb 27, to stage a comeback.

"While IPL is a bigger platform, I am focusing more on the Hazare trophy since it starts earlier. I have been working hard to make a comeback and want to take things as they come.

"Like all sportspersons I too have a dream of playing for the country in the world cup, but at the moment I want to focus on the domestic circuit and hope to find a place in the national team for the England tour," said Tiwary. He last played an ODI for India in August 2012.