Interview with Manan Vohra: "When one meets Sachin Tendulkar, you learn not just about the game, but about life"
What got you interested in Cricket?
I started playing cricket properly at the age of 7 for my school academy, but before that I used to play in my backyard. I am obsessed with the game. My grandfather used to buy me cricket goodies. I still have the collection of those little bats and stumps which I got during my childhood. I played a few local tournaments where I got noticed and so got a chance to play the Inter-district tournament where I played for Panchkula.
My performance in the tournament was noticed so the officials of the Haryana team decided to offer me a contract for 3 years. I was wondering whether to sign or not when my coach Mr Yograj Singh (Yuvraj Singh’s father) came to my rescue and told me clearly not to sign the contract and so I did not.
After that my focus was completely on Punjab Cricket. I played for the U-15s and made my debut for the state at the age of 14. I made 3 centuries in my debut tournament and that moment is very dear to me till date. I was later made the captain of the U-16 team and our state team won many tournaments after that.
After playing for Punjab for 3 years, I got a call from the NCA for the U-19 camp. I was among 30 probables for the U-19 team. which was supposed to head to Australia later in the year for the World Cup. It was a great feeling when I got selected for the U-19 squad for the World Cup.
I traveled to Vizag for the quadrangular series and then to Australia for the Asia Cup. I gave my best and scored runs in all the tournaments under Unmukt Chand’s captaincy. In one of the matches in Australia, Unmukt and I had a partnership of 175 runs in 13 overs, in which I was unbeaten on 80 runs off 30 balls. That match is one that I will remember for the rest of my life as it was a world record after all.
After a glorious start to your cricketing career, you also went through a lean patch at a very young age. Do share your experience with us.
It was a tough time for me personally as my family and I were all excited for the U-19 World Cup as I was the opening batsman. At a practice session a day before we were supposed to leave for the World Cup, I was batting and while hitting one of the deliveries, I fractured my thumb badly. The doctor said I was in no condition to play and so Hanuma Vihari was made the opening batsmen.
My team left the next day, and I was left behind feeling devastated and depressed. I get emotional every time I describe this incident. I was waiting for this opportunity my entire life but it was taken away from me. I still remember those 6 months. They were very tough for me as with each passing day I was losing confidence. Even the behavior of people changed. My neighbours who use to visit our house frequently seeing my upward growth, suddenly changed themselves. I was left alone and my family were my only support. Without their support i would have been nothing, and they stood by me.
Apart from my family, Yuvraj Singh was another pillar of support during those days. He used to motivate me all the time. He made me understand how it was not the end of the world and how I will have tons of opportunities waiting for me in the future. I quickly understood what he said, and the presence of a fighter like him helped me a lot.
Before the injury I was expecting a call from the IPL and once I got innjured, I had given up all hope. But it is said that good things come unexpectedly. I got a call from Colonel Arvind Singh who asked me to sign the contract with the Kings XI Punjab. After those depressing 6 months, I felt alive for the first time. Finally, in the year 2013, I made my IPL debut against the Pune warriors.
Sharing the dressing room with a great like Adam Gilchrist and stalwarts of the Indian team like Praveen Kumar and Piyush Chawla was the experience of a lifetime.
How was the experience making your debut for India A this year?
Getting a cap to represent the Nation is always a memorable moment. I got my cap in the 3rd match and the moment was very emotional. I was happy and excited and was feeling proud. At the same time I was continuously telling myself that this is a great responsibility and that I will do whatever it takes to respect this cap. That feeling is different. This game is now an integral part of my life. I cannot live without it. So when i take a step ahead I always feel blessed.
How was the experience in IPL 2014, and ho did it feel being one of the two players retained?
It was a different experience this time. I had an added resposnibility as I had been retained. Not getting matches in the initial phase was quite frustrating but I kept calm and was focused. I just used to follow the fitness routines and perform in the practice sessions and used to tell myself that soon I will be given the chance to go out and play. In between I also used to talk to Virendra Sehwag and he kept motivating me. Our coach Mr Sanjay Bangar, was a great help. His on field lessons helped all of us but even off the field he used to motivate every one of us and so I never really was depressed because I was not getting to play.
As far being retained is concerned, the news made me and my well wishers really happy but at the same time there were people who got upset because of this. But I felt very honoured, and made up my mind that I had to reward their trust in me.
My favourite moment this IPL was when Virendra Sehwag gave me a pat on my back during one of the matches in Delhi and appreciated my efforts. I will never forget that moment and felt very proud.
The moment which I would like to forget will surely be the time when I got run out against Rajasthan Royals in a crucial encounter. It was a silly run out and I would never want that to happen to me again
Talking about the overall experience, I was quite disappointed and shattered when we could not win the finals but then as they say, it is a part of the game and you have to accept the reality. All my focus now is on the Champions League T20.
What do you do when you dont play cricket?
I am a family oriented person. When I am not travelling or practising, I stay at home enjoying some quality time with my family. I still follow home rules. My mom wants me home by 9 pm whenever I am out, and it is really not that difficult for me as I am not a party animal. Instead, I prefer hanging out with my friends at some peaceful place.
Tell us a little more about yout fitness regime and the diet you follow to stay fit.
I love the pain which I get after working out for long hours. I normally do fitness training for 5 hours on days when I am not playing or travelling and then go back home and practise at the nets.
With regards to my diet, yes I am a lot more fitter now and would want to maintain this, hence I make sure I eat right. Being a Punjabi, your love for food is obvious but then wanting to be a professional Cricketer means one has to control. I love Chinese cuisine, but I now rarely get to enjoy it. I dont know when I last had roti. This game asks for sacrifices, and it's totally worth it.
Who is your favourite cricketer?
I really appreciate both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma as players as I believe both of them are technically very well equipped.
Who inspired you to take up Cricket professionally?
Definitely the God of Cricket, Sachin Tendulkar. When one meets him, you not only learn about the game, but also very important life lessons.
Your message to your fans and our readers.
I always say this on the basis of my experience, never ever fail to get up after a fall. You might not be aware but people who get up and start running after every fall end up on a high in their life. Unexpected good things always happen to those who believe in 3 things – Hard work, discipline and patience.