IND vs BAN: Manan Vohra reveals Gautam Gambhir's offensive response on questioning about LSG opportunities

In the high-voltage and glamorous world of the Indian Premier League (IPL), where fame and fortune dance on the edge of every game, Manan Vohra's journey has been nothing short of a dramatic rollercoaster.

The 31-year-old batter, known for his explosive style, had a tough stint with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) during the 2022 and 2023 seasons. Vohra found himself on the sidelines for almost both seasons, getting the opportunity in only one game.

And that was a rain-affected IPL 2023 game against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), where the former Rajasthan Royals (RR) batter could manage a mere 10 runs, and it completely changed his IPL fortune.

An IPL game against CSK that changed everything for Manan Vohra

Well, frustrated by his lack of opportunities, Manan Vohra took a bold step and sought a heart-to-heart with then-LSG mentor Gautam Gambhir, who offered him profound clarity that completely changed his understanding of his role in the competitive world of the game.

Approaching Gautam Gambhir, Manan Vohra expressed his disappointment over his limited chances, as the former Punjab Kings (PBKS) batter believed that he was in great form and deserved more game-time. To which Gambhir’s response was both blunt and helpful, sharing a deeper truth about the brutal nature of professional cricket.

Manan Vohra revealed that Gautam Gambhir told him that the reality of the game isn’t always fair—some players get several chances, while others are given just one. The main point of Gambhir’s message was clear: the players must seize every opportunity with relentless determination and prove their worth because the game doesn't wait for anyone. It was a wake-up call for Vohra.

I could have gotten offended by Gautam Gambhir: Manan Vohra

Manan Vohra said on Tanwar Kohli's podcast on his YouTube channel: “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.”

Rather than taking offense, the former PBKS batter saw Gautam Gambhir’s blunt message as a crucial lesson in resilience. Vohra further recounted, “He answered me very plainly-sweetly-simply and said, 'Life is different for everyone; some players get eight matches, some get just one.”

He signed off by saying, “It's not everyone gets the same number 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 gotten offended, but I realized 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.”

After the 2023 season, Vohra was released by LSG, and he went unsold in the IPL 2024 auction. He played 56 IPL matches in his career so far and scored 1,083 runs. However, Vohra’s talent is undeniable, but the competitive edge in the IPL remains unforgiving for him.