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Manan Vohra, born on 18th July 1993 in Chandigarh, India, is a name that has been making waves in the Indian cricketing circuit. With a right-handed batting style and a knack for fast-medium bowling, Vohra has carved a niche for himself as a reliable opening batter. Although he may not yet be a household name, his performances in domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL) have caught the attention of cricket pundits and fans alike. This article aims to delve into the life and career of Manan Vohra, exploring his early inspirations, notable performances, and what the future holds for this promising cricketer.
Manan Vohra was born into a family with a rich sporting background. His grandfather, Y.P. Singh, was a former Indian hockey player and currently serves as the general secretary of the Chandigarh Hockey Association. Growing up, Manan faced the dilemma that many young Indian athletes face: to follow in the footsteps of a family legacy or to carve out his own path. For Manan, the choice came down to either picking up a hockey stick or a cricket bat.
Inspired and encouraged by his grandfather, Manan chose cricket. His decision was not just a matter of family influence; it was a calling he felt deeply within himself. From a young age, Manan showed a natural aptitude for the sport. He attended Guru Nanak Public School in Sector 36, Chandigarh, where he began his cricketing journey. Later, he also studied at Hansraj Public School, Satluj Public School, and Bhavan Vidyalaya sector 27.
His early cricketing days were marked by rigorous practice sessions and a deep-rooted passion for the game. Manan was a fan of Sachin Tendulkar, like many aspiring cricketers of his generation. The 'Little Master' served as an inspiration for him, fueling his dreams of representing India on the international stage one day.
Manan's talent didn't go unnoticed for long. He made it to the India U13 squad for the Sharjah Cup in 2004, a significant milestone that marked the beginning of his journey in competitive cricket. At the junior level, Manan was initially coached by Harminder Singh. However, as he progressed, he came under the tutelage of Yograj Singh, the father of Indian cricketing star Yuvraj Singh.
The early years were formative for Manan, not just in terms of honing his cricketing skills but also in building his character as a sportsman. He participated in various domestic tournaments, including the Dhruve Pandove Trophy, and was eventually made the captain of the Punjab U19 team. Under his leadership, the team clinched the Vinoo Mankad Trophy, adding another feather to his cap.
Manan's performances in the U22 tournament were particularly noteworthy. He led the challenge with knocks of 108, 129, and 179, showcasing his ability to play long innings and anchor the team's batting. His efforts were rewarded when he was drafted into the Punjab Ranji camp in 2008. He was also selected for the U-19 National Cricket Academy (NCA) camp held in Bangalore in 2011, which featured India's 30 best U19 players. Manan was one of them.
Manan Vohra's early life was a blend of innate talent, family inspiration, and relentless hard work. His journey from a young boy in Chandigarh to a promising cricketer on the verge of national recognition is a testament to his dedication and love for the game. As we delve deeper into his career, we'll explore how these early years laid the foundation for his current and future successes in the world of cricket.
Stay tuned as we delve into the various phases of Manan Vohra's cricketing career, from his domestic cricket journey to his exploits in the IPL.
Manan Vohra's entry into professional cricket was marked by a blend of talent and opportunity. He made his first-class debut for Punjab against Saurashtra at Mohali on November 17, 2011. Although it took him a couple of seasons to truly make his mark, he eventually did so with aplomb. His breakthrough came in the form of half-centuries against Vidarbha and Karnataka, but it was a match-winning 187 against Jharkhand in the Ranji Trophy that truly announced his arrival on the domestic scene.
This innings was not just a personal milestone for Manan; it was a statement of intent. It showcased his ability to play long innings under pressure, a trait that would serve him well in the years to come. Just a week after this remarkable performance, Manan was retained by Kings XI Punjab for the 2014 IPL season, a testament to the promise he had shown.
Manan's first-class statistics are a reflection of his consistent performances. As of January 2023, he has played 49 matches, scoring 2861 runs at an average of 38.66, including nine centuries and eleven half-centuries. His highest score in first-class cricket is an impressive 224. These numbers are a testament to his ability to perform consistently at the domestic level, making him a player to watch for the future.
Manan's journey in domestic cricket has been nothing short of remarkable. Apart from his exploits in first-class cricket, he has also made a name for himself in List A and T20 formats. His List A debut came on February 27, 2014, for Punjab against Haryana in Delhi. Over the years, he has amassed 2102 runs in 62 List A matches at an average of 35.03, including six centuries and ten half-centuries.
His T20 career has been equally impressive. He has scored 3003 runs in 106 matches at an average of 28.87 and a strike rate of 127.57. These statistics include a hundred and 16 fifties, showcasing his ability to adapt to different formats of the game. Manan's adaptability is one of his strongest suits, allowing him to excel in various conditions and against different types of bowling attacks.
It's not just his batting that has caught the eye; Manan is also a handy bowler. Although he hasn't bowled much in professional cricket, his economy rate of 3.37 in first-class cricket and a best bowling figure of 1/13 indicate that he can be a useful part-time option for his team.
Manan Vohra's journey in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been a roller-coaster ride of highs and lows. He made his IPL debut in April 2013 for Kings XI Punjab and immediately impressed with an unbeaten 43 runs off 26 balls. Over the years, he has been a part of various franchises, including Kings XI Punjab, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Rajasthan Royals, and most recently, Lucknow Super Giants.
One of the standout moments of his IPL career came in the 2014 final, where he forged a 129-run partnership with Wriddhiman Saha, helping Kings XI Punjab post a total of 199 runs in 20 overs. Another memorable innings was his knock of 95 runs off just 50 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2017, which included nine fours and five sixes. Although his team lost the match by 5 runs, Manan's performance was lauded for its audacity and skill.
Despite these flashes of brilliance, Manan has had to grapple with inconsistency. However, his talent is undeniable, and he continues to be a sought-after player in the IPL auctions. In the 2022 season, he was bought by Lucknow Super Giants, indicating that franchises still see potential in him.
Manan Vohra's IPL journey has been a mixed bag. While he has showcased his talent on numerous occasions, he has yet to achieve the level of consistency that would make him a regular feature in any IPL team. However, at the age of 30, he still has several years of cricket ahead of him, and there's every reason to believe that the best is yet to come.
Manan Vohra's cricketing journey is a tale of talent meeting opportunity. From his early days in Chandigarh to his current status as a promising cricketer on the domestic circuit and in the IPL, Manan has shown that he has the skill and the temperament to succeed at the highest level. As we continue to track his career, it will be interesting to see how he leverages his experience and talent to reach new heights in the coming years.
