Manan Vohra, born on 18th July 1993, is a name that resonates in Indian cricket. He has followed a path inspired by the legacy of his grandfather, Y.P Singh, a former Indian hockey player and the current general secretary of the Chandigarh Hockey Association. Manan’s decision to pursue cricket over hockey was influenced by the encouragement and support he received from his grandfather.
Early Influences and Schooling
The decision to choose between a cricket bat and a hockey stick wasn’t an easy one for Manan, given his illustrious family background in hockey. However, the inspiration provided by his grandfather led him to take up cricket, a choice that would set him on a remarkable journey in the sport.
Manan’s early cricketing days were spent practicing at Guru Nanak Public School, Sector 36, Chandigarh. He later pursued his education at Hansraj Public School, Satluj Public School, and Bhavan Vidyalaya in Sector 27, Chandigarh. His journey began at a young age when he made it to the India U13 squad for the Sharjah Cup in 2004.
Cricketing Progress
Manan’s cricketing journey was nurtured and guided by dedicated coaches. At the junior level, Harminder Singh played a crucial role in his development. However, his coaching path eventually led him to Yograj Singh, the father of the legendary Yuvraj Singh, who took on the responsibility of honing Manan’s skills.
Manan’s talent was evident as he progressed through various age groups, representing Punjab in the U16, U19, and U22 categories. He also participated in the Dhruve Pandove Trophy. His leadership qualities shone through when he was named the captain of the Punjab U19 team, leading them to victory in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy.
One of the standout moments in Manan’s early career was his stellar performance in the U22 tournament, where he played match-winning knocks of 108, 129, and 179, showcasing his exceptional batting prowess. These performances earned him a place in the Punjab Ranji camp in 2008.
His potential was further recognized when he was selected for the U-19 NCA camp held in 2011 in Bangalore. This camp featured India’s 30 best U19 players, and Manan was among them. He was also a part of the India U19 team that participated in the Quadrangular Series alongside teams from Sri Lanka, West Indies, and Australia. Manan’s standout innings of 79 off 35 balls against Australia U19 was a testament to his batting skills.
Domestic and IPL Success
Manan Vohra’s entry into domestic cricket was marked by his debut in the List A format for Punjab in the 2013–14 Vijay Hazare Trophy. However, it was his journey in the Indian Premier League (IPL) that truly brought him into the limelight.
He made his IPL debut in April 2013, representing Kings XI Punjab. In subsequent seasons, he left an indelible mark with remarkable performances. Notably, in the 2014 IPL final, his partnership with Wriddhiman Saha ensured Kings XI Punjab reached an impressive total of 199 runs. In 2017, he played a memorable innings of 95 runs off just 50 balls against the Sunrisers Hyderabad, displaying his batting prowess. Despite his individual brilliance, his team faced a narrow defeat.
His IPL journey continued as he was acquired by different franchises, including the Royal Challengers Bangalore and the Rajasthan Royals. In February 2022, he was drafted into the Lucknow Super Giants for the 2022 Indian Premier League, showcasing his value as a T20 cricketer.
Manan Vohra’s cricketing journey, inspired by his family legacy, serves as a testament to his determination and commitment to the sport. His ability to perform under pressure and adapt to different formats has made him a name to watch in Indian cricket. As he continues to make strides in domestic and T20 cricket, he carries forward a legacy that honors both his family and his own passion for the game.
