“I am quite relaxed about leading the team,” the 37-year-old Tiwary said. “When I stepped down as the first-class captain of Bengal [during the 2018-19 season], I was told to continue as captain of the one-day and T20 sides, but I had refused, telling them that we need to groom a younger player as captain. But [in Abhimanyu’s absence], I realised I have to take this responsibility because decision-making is such a crucial part of the game.”
“Porel’s comeback has been quite good,” Tiwary said. “He wasn’t available for the Vijay Hazare [50-over] Trophy tournament, but he proved his worth here. I have spoken to him: we are playing at a level where we must forget what has happened in the past; every minute, every second, we must tell the world why I am Ishan Porel, or why I am Manoj Tiwary. That is the mentality that will help him become a champion.”
Bengal’s next game is against Himachal Pradesh, also at home at Eden Gardens, from December 20.
