Unsold in IPL 2024 auction, former LSG batter recalls when mentor Gautam Gambhir told him 'even if you have got one match, then...'

Chandigarh-born Manan Vohra has been a part of the Indian Premier League (IPL) for over a decade but he is yet to realise his true potential. He got a longer run at Punjab Kings (PBKS) but could not make the most of it. From 56 matches, he has three fifties. However, in the past few years he has got limited opportunities. In IPL 2023, when Gautam Gambhir was still the mentor of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), he got to play just one match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and was dropped. He recalled getting frustrated and had a conversation with Gambhir which was an eye opener for him.

"I went to Gambhir and had a chat with him. He told me, 'You're batting well'. Then I told him that I wanted to have a chat with you. I told him that I got just one match and got dropped. I am batting well, and anyone can get out in one match, and that was also a washout game," Vohra told Taruwar Kohli on his YouTube show.

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How Gambhir’s words changed Vohra’s perspective

Gambhir is not known for mincing his words and he did not have a different attitude against Vohra. The former Indian opener told Vohra said that whatever happens, he has to make the opportunity count even if it is just one match.

He answered me very plainly-sweetly-simply and said, 'Life is different for everyone; some players get eight matches, some get just one. It's not everyone gets the same amount of matches, but if you have got one match, then you have to do it in that one match only, end of story,' and I was like stunned. I could have got offended, but I realised the depth of that conversation when he said if you are so good, then even if you have got one match, then you have to prove yourself and move ahead."

 

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"That day I thought he is right, I can't blame anyone or the circumstances that it is happening to me, we often try to victimise ourselves that it's not happening like this or that. If you have got one match, you should be good enough, and you have to be so well prepared to make an impact so they will persist with you." the 31-year-old added.

 

Vohra’s IPL fifty drought

Vohra’s last IPL fifty came in 2017 season. He went unsold in IPL 2024 auction. So far, he has scored 1,083 runs from 51 IPL innings averaging 22.10. 

 

The Chadigarh captain will have a chance to improve when he features in the upcoming season of Ranji Trophy 2024-25.

 

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