Manoj Tiwary atop his gleaming Honda CR-V

His favourite song is Kishore Kumar’s Zingadi ka safar hai yeh kaisa safar (from the film Safar). And though it has been a “difficult journey as of now”, Manoj Tiwary is happy to see his parents smile. Finally. “There have been struggling days for my parents. Cricket has given me so much of financial help, which was really needed. Now that I have reached this place, I don’t want to relax and enjoy. I want to work harder and achieve more and make India, Bengal and most importantly, my parents proud,” says the Howrah boy. “This place” refers to his boarding pass to Australia for the ODI tri-series starting February 5.

Just before he left town, t2 caught up with the man of the moment.

How has life changed in the last couple of months?

I was doing well consistently. But on a bigger stage, at the international level, I scored a 100 last year [against the West Indies in Chennai]. That was a big turning point. People started having more faith in me. But all through, I believed in myself. I am a firm believer in my ability and talent. After I got out (in his ODI debut against Australia in 2008), I was sitting in the dressing room, watching the replay… I was pretty sad and was thinking why hadn’t God helped me. Then Sachin (Tendulkar) paaji came and asked me what was going through my mind when I went in to bat. He gave me his example as well that it took him a lot of matches to get his first 100 (in both Tests and ODIs).

That particular match was very important for me. If I wouldn’t have capitalised on that innings, you never know, today I might not have been there for the Australian tour.

Is this the best phase of your career?

Yeah… you can say that. Scoring an international 100… every cricketer wants to achieve that. After coming back, I played a few Ranji matches as well for Bengal… really happy with the way things are going.

This tour is a big opportunity for you…

Big opportunity as well as a big challenge. Australian and South African conditions are pretty difficult. There is a difference in the bounce and the quality of bowlers as well. I believe if I can do well there, then my confidence will reach another level. It is important to be consistent. It is important for me to forget what I did in my last innings and start again and contribute to my team’s success.

What is the difference between the Manoj Tiwary who boarded that flight three years back and this Manoj Tiwary?

There is a complete change as far as mental approach is concerned. I have matured a lot as a cricketer and as a person. Earlier, I used to think too much about the past and the future. I used to think if I cannot perform, other players are going to emerge and I will fall behind. I was a little insecure at that time. Nowadays, I think about the present. The thought process has completely changed.

Do you really enjoy being called Chhota Dada?

Yeah… I do… you cannot get the name of Big Dada because Sourav (Ganguly) is already the Big Dada! He has done so much for Bengal and India. I respect him a lot.

But doesn’t the comparison put pressure on you?

I don’t think people compare me to him. I am from Bengal and nobody has made a mark internationally after Sourav Ganguly. People think, especially the media, that he (Manoj) is another Dada coming up. I realise expectations are there. That is why I work hard. I am pretty focused as far as my career is concerned. Whatever I am today is because of cricket. I can take it easy, but I don’t want to.

Has Sourav Ganguly shared any tips on how to approach this tour?

I had a long chat with him during the Baroda match (Ranji Trophy) as I was hopeful of getting selected (for Australia). He said most of the things I am doing are correct but there are a few technique issues… he said, if I could stand higher (stance), I would be able to counter the bounce more easily. He said that I need to play aggressively against the Aussies.

You are also planning to settle down soon...

Yeah, by this year or next year for sure. Susmita (Roy, Manoj’s girlfriend) is very co-operative. Earlier she did not have much knowledge about cricket. Nowadays, when I speak to her, she gives me advice as well! She says, ‘You have to play much better cricket... all the other guys are doing well’. A cricketer’s wife has a tough life. I have already made her understand that.... She is ready.

What about your “dream home”?

I want to build a dream home in Howrah… there will be an indoor sports floor like table tennis, pool, darts…

You love clubbing…

No… whenever my girlfriend requests (smiles) or when my team-mates touring Calcutta request. Earlier I used to but then I understood that this is not my priority.

So, how do you unwind?

I mostly spend time with my family. I don’t have too many friends, as I don’t trust people that easily nowadays. I am at home, watching films and listening to music. The last movie I watched was Singham. I do get mobbed sometimes at the theatres, especially after the century (against West Indies)!