Representing India is like a 'dream come true': Tiwary

Jamshedpur:

Eagerly looking forward to making his debut for India, batsman Saurabh Tiwary, who has been picked for the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka, says just getting selected in the 15-man squad is "like a dream come true."

The flamboyant middle-order southpaw who replaces hard-hitter Yuvraj Singh, was well aware that he would have to perform in the tournament to prove his mettle and cement his place in the national squad.

"Obviously, there will be pressure on me and I am confident I will not disappoint the selectors, who have put faith in me", he said.

Tiwary, the second player in the national squad from Jharkhand after India captain M S Dhoni, was felicitated by the Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) on his arrival last night.

Tiwary, Jharkhand Ranji captain, said his consistent performance in IPL-III drew the attention of the selectors, and added that he was also expecting a call for the tri-series held in Zimbabwe recently on the basis of his IPL performance.

Tiwary scored 419 runs for the Mumbai Indians in the last edition of IPL. Replying to a poser, Tiwary said statemate Dhoni is "a great cricketer" and he did not wish to be compared to him.

Earlier, Tiwary, accompanied by JSCA president Amitabh Choudhury, arrived at Keenan Stadium late in the evening.

Sunil Tiwary, the cricketer's father, was also feliciated.

Tears rolled down Tiwary's eyes when he spotted his mentor Kajal Das, a former Coach of Jharkhand Ranji team and himself a hard-hitter in the state Ranji Trophy team.

Speaking on the occasion, Choudhury expressed confidence that Tiwary would earn laurels for the state as well as the country like Dhoni.

Later, Tiwary visited Tata Main Hospital to meet his friend, who sustained an injury in a road accident near Chandil.

Meanwhile, a large-number of cricket fans braved the rains and waited at the stadium to get a glimpse of Tiwary.