Manu Thomas

Born on the 5th of July, 1988, Manu Thomas emerged from the humble cricket fields of Kerala, where he first dreamt of representing his country. His early years were not marked by privileged coaching but rather by an unwavering dedication on makeshift pitches at dawn and dusk. It was during these formative years that Manu honed his craft, mastering the art of fast bowling, a tradition rare but deeply respected in Indian cricket.

Manu's ascent through the ranks of domestic cricket was swift. His debut in first-class cricket came at the age of 19, where his searing pace and ability to extract bounce from even the most placid wickets made him a force to reckon with. A right-arm fast bowler, Manu's technique was unconventional, yet effective; his run-up was brisk, and his wrist release was often compared to some of the greats who donned similar styles.

By 2010, Thomas had become a fixture in the domestic circuit and won the coveted Ranji Trophy with Kerala, contributing pivotal spells that often turned the game in his team's favour. His performance in the 2011 season caught the eye of national selectors, leading to his much-anticipated debut for the Indian cricket team. In his debut series against South Africa, Manu made an immediate impact, claiming a five-wicket haul in conditions that many thought would favour the batsmen.

Over the years, Manu became renowned for his ability to bowl in the death overs, a skill that is an asset in modern-day limited-overs cricket. His rivalry with Pakistan’s leading batsman was particularly noted, with several tightly contested matches that saw Manu swing the results in India’s favour with his strategic bowling and sharp mind.

Though not predominantly known for his batting prowess, Manu's lower-order runs on crucial occasions earned him recognition. His role in clinching the Asia Cup title in 2016 was instrumental, where he not only bowled economically but also scored a match-winning 27 runs in the final, showcasing his tenacity and skill with the bat.

Manu Thomas is more than just a bowler; he is a cricketer whose heart and soul are imprinted on every delivery he bowls. His story is one of perseverance, passion, and pure love for the game, constantly inspiring young cricketers who watch him at work. He remains a key figure and mentor in the cricketing community, forever etched in the annals of the sport he so dearly loves.

Batting Stats

Bowling Stats