One series can make or break a cricketer’s career. Currently, there are many leagues where performances in a few games can earn a cricketer chance in the Indian side. However, this practice was not common in the 1980s and the players had to prove themselves in the domestic circuit to earn their maiden call-up. In Indian cricket’s history there have been players like Vinod Kambli, Laxman Sivaramakrishnan who looked promising but did not have a long career. Maninder Singh is one such player who could not make it big. He was touted as the successor to legendary spinner Bishon Singh Bedi but could not live up to the expectations.
Fame at young age
Maninder rose among the ranks quickly. At 15, he made his First-Class debut in Ranji Trophy knockout match. Two years later, aged at 17 years and 193 days, he became the youngest Indian Test debutant at that time. He made his Test debut against Pakistan in Karachi Test. Maninder could not get a single wicket but impressed with his bowling.
Maninder’s numbers
The left-arm spinner ended with 88 wickets from 35 Tests at an average of 37.36. In the ODI format, he had 66 wickets from 59 games at an average of 31.30. He made his last international appearance in 1993 against Zimbabwe in home conditions.
A promising career cut-short
Despite the ordinary numbers, Maninder was considered a unique talent. However, due to fitness problems and later mental health problems led to him calling it quits at an age, he was supposed to be in his prime. Somehow, Maninder lost his bowling action and failed to get it back. A slump in form and fading cricketer career led to him developing a drinking problem. Few years later, in 1995, at the age of 30, the Pune-born cricketer announced his retirement.
Living up to tailender tag
Being a tailender, Maninder did was not known for his batting. From 35 Tests, he got to bat in 38 innings. He could score only 99 runs at an average of 3.80. He remained not out on 12 occasions. His highest score of 15 included the only six he hit in his career.
