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

Manan Vohra who has been involved with four IPL franchises revealed his conversation with former LSG mentor Gautam Gambhir during IPL 2023.

SportsTak Desk

• Tue • 17 Sep 2024

Manan Vohra in the nets; former LSG mentor Gautam Gambhir (File Photo)

Highlights:

Manan Vohra scored just 10 runs in one outing for LSG in IPL 2023.

Vohra went unsold in IPL 2024 auction.

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.

ALSO READ: Yashasvi Jaiswal or Jasprit Bumrah? Who won the battle in the nets ahead of 1st Test against Bangladesh?

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."

ALSO READ: Arjun Tendulkar wreaks havoc with 9 wickets against KSCA XI ahead of Ranji Trophy 2024-25, leads Goa to massive win by an innings and 189 runs

"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.