New Delhi/Kolkata: He is recuperating from a knee surgery and Manoj Tiwary, who wanted to play the Ranji Trophy quarter-final against Railways will have to wait for some more time before he gets 100 percent match-fit.
Tiwary was named as a 17th member in the squad, won't be available for Bengal's quarterfinal against Railways here from January 8-12.
"The physio here told me that I need to have atleast four to five running sessions which will be an indicator of how much strength has returned in my knees. Today, there wasn't any fitness test but only fitness assessment. As of now I am not available for the quarter-final. I will only make a comeback when I am fully match-fit," Tiwary told PTI over phone from Bangalore.
When asked about how he felt after resuming batting at the Bengal nets, Tiwary said, "There wasn't any discomfort as such but some of the little things still needs to be assessed. I have batted against the spinners but I haven't really used my feet against them at the nets.
"Also, there is running between the wickets where you hav to swiftly turn for twos and threes. During the turning, there would be pressure on the knees. The physio needs to assess how my knees are holding during that pressure. I am keeping my fingers crossed and hoping that I will pass the fitness test and be available if Bengal qualified for the the semi-final," Tiwary said.
As of now Tiwary is not coming back to Kolkata.
"I will not be back in Kolkata right now. I am here till my fitness test is conducted and I go through the routines given to me by the NCA physio," Tiwary concluded.
Zol's groin problem is a concern: Maharashtra coach Bhave
Zol's groin problem is a concern: Maharashtra coach Bhave
Mumbai: Maharashtra are a bit concerned about the fitness of India's triumphant under-19 captain Vijay Zol, who has a troublesome groin, but are hopeful that he will be fit for their Ranji Trophy quarter final against defending champions Mumbai, commencing here on Wednesday.
Zol, who led the country's colts to the Asia Cup title with a century in the final against arch-foes Pakistan in Sharjah on Saturday, has consulted a doctor and Maharashtra would know tomorrow whether he is available for the game, said coach Surendra Bhave here today.
"There's a little bit of a concern. Dr Abhishek Joshi had a good look at him...will know tomorrow afternoon if he will play. He complained of a little bit of problem in groin when he got that 100 in the (Asia Cup) under-19 final," said Bhave after the team's practice session today at the Wankhede Stadium.
Bhave though was optimistic that the one-down batsman would take the field in this high-profile Indian "War of Roses".
"Sure he will be alright. He did come here. We had to let him go as he had a long flight. Flight from Bangalore to Mumbai was 2 hours late. He has taken well to first class cricket and is one of the form players," said the visiting team's coach.
The former national selector sounded confident ahead of the Group C toppers' clash against the 40-time champions.
"They are ready for this stage. Have played confident cricket and believe they can continue. In the knock out (stage) you get good teams anyway. We are best prepared this time to play in quarter finals than in previous years," he said.
