New Delhi: Amid the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2022 season, a Cabinet Minister cum sportsperson has become the cynosure of attention as he plays for his team.

Manoj Tiwari is the Sports Minister in Mamata government and is also the leading batsman for Bengal XI team in Ranji Trophy tournament.

He has earned the rare distinction of being the first such person to don two feats at a time. He played his first Ranji Trophy match of the season against Baroda in Cuttack.

The 36-year-old cricketer-cum Minister has also been skipper of Bengal cricket team. He has played first class cricket for 17 years.

Tiwari fought Assembly elections on a TMC ticket. He won the elections by defeating BJP candidate Ratin Chakrobarty with a big margin and was subsequently made Sports Minister in Mamata govt.

This year, he has been selected in the team led by Abhimanyu Ishwaran. Bengal is placed in Group B team which also includes teams like Rajasthan, Kerala, Haryana.

‘Bat wielding’ minister draws attention of all

Manoj Tiwari is the minister of state for Sports & Youth Affairs in Mamata government 3.0. Having donned India colours & played white ball cricket between 2008 & 2015, he is arguably one of the best cricketers after Sourav Ganguly era.

Tiwari had also a good run in the Indian Premiere League, till last few years back. He was part of Kolkata Knightriders title-winning squad in 2012 and also had brief stints with Delhi Capitals, Pune Supergiants & Punjab Kings.

Last two, Ranji Trophy didn’t happen because of Covid-19 & subsequent lockdowns.