In this cricketing age of fast life and late post-match parties, it is hard to come across somebody such as Manan Vohra.
The batsman from Chandigarh is only 23 but says he has found his peace of mind from being spiritual.
Here in the city to represent CromBest in the TNCA first division league, Vohra told The Hindu on Tuesday, “I feel spirituality has helped my cricket and my batting. You do your best and leave everything to God. He will take care of you.”
Difficult phase
The Punjab batsman was going through a difficult phase two years back when he decided to go spiritual.
“There is a specific time in everyone’s life when God wants to meet him and know him. For me, it happened about 18 months ago. It changed my life.”
Vohra said, “Now the pressure is off me. I can concentrate on my cricket. I have faith in God.”
On the field, Vohra had his best Ranji season yet for Punjab in 2016-17.
He made 671 runs in seven games at 51.61.
The right-handed opener has dazzled in the IPL for Kings XI Punjab with his aggression and bat-speed. When in form, he is a fluent and natural stroke-maker.
Sehwag effect
Indian batting great Virender Sehwag had influenced him greatly in Kings XI. “He always tells me to express myself freely at the crease. He wants me to go for my shots, says my job is that of an entertainer,” said Vohra.
He is keen to enhance his game for the longer format. “That is the reason I came here to play in the TNCA league ahead of the domestic season.”
Vohra added, “The pitches are different here, the weather is different, the bowlers are different. This league is very well conducted and competitive with several good players around.”
An admirer of maestro Sachin Tendulkar while growing up — “I tried to copy the way he batted” he said — Vohra has targeted the coming season for bigger things.
He continues to be ambitious on the field but the fear of failure has left him. Being spiritual is working for Vohra.
