Cricketer-Politician Manoj Tiwary shares how he balances cricket and politics

West Bengal's Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Manoj Tiwary, who also happens to be an active cricketer for his state team, spoke about his dual role and how he manages to do both. 

Speaking to an Indian news media outlet, the sitting MLA said that it is all about time management and that while he plays cricket in the morning, he sits back and spends his evening doing the ministry work. 

"It is all about willpower and time management (when asked how he manages to navigate through ministry work and playing cricket). The team that I have created in my constituency and all the party workers understand how to go about work. 

"All the paperwork gets delivered to my hotel when I am playing cricket. In the morning, I play cricket, and then in the evening, I sign that paperwork and send it back by courier. The Sports Ministry is one ministry where I am the Minister for Sports, there is one Minister in charge, so he takes care of things," he said. 

He went on to add that he has members working with him who have been really helpful and that while he is away and that so far he has been able to discharge his duties and has managed things. 

"My team members are very helpful, I am available on the phone during the night, so if there is an emergency, all the setup is there. I believe in preparation, and if you do well in that, anything can be managed. It was a challenge for me, but I have been able to fulfil it so far. You can do it if you stay focussed," he added.

On further being asked if the ministry work distracts him during cricket, Manoj Tiwary said that it has never happened and that he is focused on cricket when he is playing and doesn't think about cricket when he is working.

"No, it has not ever happened *laughs*. When I am playing cricket, I do not think about politics and vice versa. If I end up doing that, I do not think it would be fair."

The player was last seen in action for Bengal cricket during their semi-final loss against Madhya Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy earlier last week.