State comes first than franchise: Tiwary

Fit-again Manoj Tiwary, whose base price has been kept in the highest bracket of Rs 2 crore in the IPL auction, today said playing for Bengal is more motivating than playing in the franchise T20 league.
"I think playing first class matches or representing your state is more motivating than IPL," Tiwary, who returned to action in a CAB league match after a seven-month layoff, told reporters at the JU Saltlake campus ground.
"I find it surprising how players are so keen to be in the IPL, for me state comes first," the former Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Daredevils batsman, said.

Tiwary who sustained a knee surgery in August last year, further said he feels confident and would approach with caution.
"I feel minor adjustments in my stance is needed but I hope to get back to rhythm with more and more matches," Tiwary, who scored a fluent 48 from 78 balls for Kalighat in their two-day league against Tollygunge Agragami, added.
Undergoing rehab at the NCA, Bangalore, the regular Bengal skipper missed the Ranji campaign for his state as they made a semifinal finish under Laxmi Ratan Shukla.
In all probability, Tiwary will be playing the Vijay Hazare Trophy, which will be played from the last week of February.