Former India cricketer Manoj Tiwary has revealed that legendary opener Virender Sehwag was among the few players who truly supported him during his short international career. Tiwary shared that Sehwag even went to the extent of sacrificing his own batting spot in the playing XI to ensure the youngster got an opportunity to prove himself.

Nicknamed ‘Chhota Dada’, Manoj Tiwary carried high expectations when he broke into the Indian team. However, his international career was limited to just 12 ODIs and 3 T20Is, where his early struggles were evident. His first five ODI innings produced scores of 2, 2, 22, 11, and 24, making it difficult for him to cement his place. Speaking to CricTracker, Manoj Tiwary recalled how Sehwag’s gesture changed the course of his career.

“I have always said that Viru paaji is one of the individuals who truly backed me. The century I scored in the West Indies, which won me the Man of the Match award, came only because Sehwag sacrificed his place. He had just scored a double-hundred in that series, and he could have easily continued to pile on more runs. But being the great human being he is, he stepped aside so I could get my chance at number four,” Manoj Tiwary revealed.

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While acknowledging the immense support of seniors like Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar, Yuvraj Singh, and Harbhajan Singh, Tiwary also expressed his long-standing disappointment with MS Dhoni. According to him, Dhoni did not provide enough opportunities despite his consistent domestic performances.

“At that time, the only decision-maker was MS Dhoni, and foreign coaches generally sided with the captain. No one wanted to go against the Indian skipper because their jobs were on the line,” Manoj Tiwary remarked.

Tiwary’s statement highlights the complex dynamics within Indian cricket during his era—where senior players could encourage a youngster, but ultimate selection decisions rested with the captain. His admiration for Sehwag’s selflessness underlines how a senior’s gesture can impact a career, even if opportunities remain scarce.

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Though his India career was brief, Tiwary’s memories of Sehwag’s sacrifice continue to stand out as a reminder of the camaraderie and mentorship within the team, even during fiercely competitive times.