IPL 2018: Manzoor Dar Willing to Hit Sixes like MS Dhoni

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is not only about the flashiness of Chris Lynn’s, the Mitchell Starc’s or Mr 360’s; it is also about the humble beginnings and success stories of the likes of T Natarajan, Nathu Singh, and Mohammad Siraj.

The latter set of players faced great adversities to share a common field with the so-called ‘Marquee Players’.

Also Read: IPL 2018: Rookie Sandeep Lamichhane Owes his Growth to Michael Clarke

Another such example this season of the IPL would be that of Jammu and Kashmir cricketer, Manzoor Dar, whose ambition is to hit sixes like India’s quintessential wicketkeeper-batsman MS Dhoni while donning the red and silver of Kings XI Punjab this season. Dar is only the second player from Kashmir to take part in the cash-rich tournament, after Parvez Rasool, who had already represented the Royal Challengers Bangalore and Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Dar’s big hitting capabilities came into reckoning in the recent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy where he hit a 100-m monster. He was nicknamed ‘Pandav’ in his village back in Bandipora district not only for his big-hitting prowess but also his raiding abilities in Kabaddi.

“It will be huge to play alongside him. The others in the game whom I look up to are Kapil Dev and MS Dhoni. I always wanted to hit sixes like Dhoni,” claimed Dar according to PTI.

Dar is one of the many success stories produced by the IPL, as he formerly used to earn a daily wage of Rs 60, as a labourer and rose through the ranks in club cricket while working as a night guard during 2008 to 2012.

“I am really thankful to God for this opportunity, also KXIP and Preity (Zinta) mam. My life has been full of struggle and when I finally found a team (at auction), I thought about the time I used to earn Rs 60 in the village as a daily labourer. I spoke to my mother a short while ago. She told me some 30,000 people came to my house to congratulate. It is really moving to receive such love,” expressed an emotional Dar.

The Kashmiri cricketer previously had to juggle between his day and night job to make ends meet for his large family of four sisters and three brothers. Dar’s coach later convinced about him being a natural hitter of the ball and advised him to opt for the sport full-time.

“It was not until 2011 when I started thinking that cricket could be a long-term career option. That was the first time I gave trials for the state team but could only make my domestic debut in 2017,” concluded 24-year old Manzoor Dar.