Chennai: There are many who deserve dessert, but are often deserted by life. Manoj Tiwary is a case in point.

The domestic circuit, the limited international outings — whenever the right-handed batsman has stepped on to the field, he has proven that he deserves a confirmed berth in Team India’s train. But till today, his international appearances have been as frequent as the rains in Thar.

But for Manoj there’s a hotline at hand, to forget the have-nots and live strong to fight another day. Yuvraj Singh.

“I have been inspired by many in my life… Yuvraj is the latest addition. His journey from cancer to cricket inspires me… It teaches that you should not lose hope. The way I see Yuvi stepping on to the field, putting in everything, diving, chasing balls… It’s amazing. Being a teammate, I see him from close quarters and I can tell you that the passion he has in his eyes is very inspiring,” Manoj told The Telegraph, on Sunday.

Manoj doesn’t know whether he will make the final XI for Tuesday’s T20 International against New Zealand here, but his confidence has taught him to hope that every day is a new day and it brings along with it new hope.

“Practically speaking, with Yuvi back in the team, I don’t know whether I will get a chance to play… But I never think like that. The thought process has to be right and it should be so that I stay prepared for any opportunity, doesn’t matter when it comes. I have only one aim… To be the best teamman,” Manoj said.

With the World T20 coming up, Manoj knows that it is a big achievement to be selected in the squad for a World Cup, irrespective of the format. But he points out that being in an ODI World Cup squad is his ultimate target.

“Getting selected for World T20 is great, but I have my sights set on the 50-over World Cup.”

Having done brilliantly during India’s recent tour to Sri Lanka, Manoj, the all-rounder, is giving much importance to his bowling as well.

“As a batsman, I’m preparing hard… Trying to fine tune a few innovative shots which are needed in this format… But I’m working on my bowling as well… Yes, I see myself as an all-rounder,” the 26-year-old claimed.

And yes, Manoj remembers what he was doing when India had lifted the inaugural World T20 in 2007. “I had a match then… Suresh Raina was also with me.

“We were watching the final on TV… After India won, we couldn’t believe it for the first five minutes… Then the celebrations began… The shouting, dancing… I recall everything,” Manoj said.

One hopes he will have his own World T20 memories. The sweet ones that is.

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