Girja Shankar Dixit
Ashok Mankad was one of Indian cricket’s most talented yet underappreciated batsmen—a cricketer whose immense promise never quite translated into a consistent international career, largely due to the vagaries of selection and constant positional shuffling. While the spotlight often eluded him at the highest level, Mankad left an indelible mark on Indian domestic cricket, where his exploits remain the stuff of legend.
Born on October 12, 1946, in Bombay (now Mumbai), Ashok was the eldest son of the iconic all-rounder Vinoo Mankad. Cricket ran deep in the Mankad family, with brothers Rahul and Atul also playing first-class cricket. Ashok’s early promise was unmistakable—his batting prowess became evident in school tournaments, especially in the prestigious Harris Shield and the Rohinton Baria Trophy. By the age of 17, he had already made his first-class debut, and the cricketing world took notice.
Mankad’s Test debut came against New Zealand in 1969. Though his early outings were modest, a defining opportunity arrived later that year against Australia. Promoted to open the innings, he responded with scores of 74, 8, 64, 68, and 97—remarkable performances against a fierce bowling attack led by Graham McKenzie and Alan Connolly. He looked set for a long run in the side, particularly after forming solid partnerships with Farokh Engineer and, later, Sunil Gavaskar during the historic 1971 West Indies tour.
However, what followed was a frustrating game of musical chairs. Mankad was shuffled across the batting order—from opener to middle-order and even as low as No. 8. This constant repositioning deprived him of stability and rhythm, affecting his consistency. Often, he would be dropped after a single Test in a series, regardless of performance. His last appearance for India came in 1978 against Australia, bringing an end to a stop-start international career that never got the run it deserved.
But while the international arena proved elusive, Mankad built a towering reputation in domestic cricket. Representing Bombay with distinction, he scored 12,980 runs in first-class cricket at a stellar average of 50.90. His Ranji Trophy statistics are even more awe-inspiring: 6,619 runs at a Bradmanesque average of 76.08, with 22 centuries. His magnum opus came in the 1980-81 Ranji final, where he scored a marathon 265 against Delhi—an innings still talked about in Mumbai cricketing circles.
Technically sound and mentally resilient, Mankad was a batsman with a rich array of strokes. He was particularly adept against pace, negotiating some of the best bowlers of his time with poise and precision. His ability to bat in any position, while a testament to his versatility, arguably became his undoing at the national level—making him an easy candidate for experimentation rather than consistent backing.
After hanging up his boots, Mankad continued to serve Indian cricket as a coach. He mentored teams like Mumbai, Madhya Pradesh, Baroda, and Railways, shaping the careers of several young players who would go on to represent India. Known for his sharp cricketing mind and patient approach, his contributions in the coaching circuit were deeply valued.
Off the field, Mankad’s life was equally accomplished. He was married to Nirupama Mankad, a former national tennis champion, and their son, Harsh Mankad, carved his own path in professional tennis, representing India on the ATP circuit.
Tragically, Ashok Mankad passed away in his sleep on August 1, 2008, at the age of 61. His untimely death robbed Indian cricket of a wise voice and an insightful mentor.
Ashok Mankad’s story is one of brilliance curtailed, of potential partially fulfilled. Yet his legacy is profound—etched not just in record books but in the ethos of Indian domestic cricket. He remains a symbol of perseverance, adaptability, and quiet excellence. Though he may never have become a superstar in the traditional sense, to those who understand the soul of Indian cricket, Ashok Mankad will always be remembered as a true servant of the game.
