Ashok Vinoo Mankad, a talented and versatile cricketer hailing from India, was born on 4th April 1947. Although plagued by a lack of confidence from the selectors and inconsistent opportunities, Mankad showcased his wide range of strokes and exceptional skills throughout his career. While he may not have reached the great heights of his legendary father, Vinoo Mankad, Ashok possessed the talent and class to achieve better results than his overall figures suggest.
Mankad burst onto the cricket scene at the tender age of 16, capturing attention with a half-century against the MCC for West Zone during the 1963-64 season. Impressive performances from that point forward continued to highlight his potential, leading to his Test debut against New Zealand in the 1969-70 series. Initially batting lower in the order, circumstances forced him into the opening slot, where he flourished. Facing the formidable bowling attack of Australia, Mankad handled McKenzie and Connolly with ease, recording consecutive scores of 74, 8, 64, 68, and 97.
The year 1971 was a turning point for Mankad, as he formed a fruitful partnership with the newly arrived Sunil Gavaskar during the West Indies tour. The duo shared several noteworthy partnerships, including an unbroken 123-run stand. However, his performance dipped during the 1971 England series, creating uncertainty regarding his place in the Test side. This led to Mankad’s omission from the 1972-73 series against England, and he only made solitary Test appearances against England in 1974 and West Indies in 1974-75. The selectors failed to provide him with a consistent role or position in the batting order, hindering his ability to establish himself as a permanent fixture in the team.
Despite the sporadic opportunities at the international level, Mankad’s first-class career showcased his undeniable prowess. He amassed an impressive 6,619 runs in the prestigious Ranji Trophy, averaging an outstanding 76.08. With 22 centuries to his name, Mankad’s highest score of 265 against Delhi in the 1980-81 final epitomized his ability to dominate the domestic scene.
Following the conclusion of his playing career, Mankad transitioned into coaching, sharing his wealth of knowledge and experience with future generations. He took charge of prominent teams such as Mumbai, Madhya Pradesh, Railways, and Baroda, positively impacting countless talented young cricketers.
Tragically, Mankad’s life was cut short when he passed away peacefully in his sleep on August 2008, at the age of 61. His contributions to the game, both as a player and coach, will forever be remembered and cherished by those who had the pleasure of witnessing his talent and class on the cricket field.
Ashok Vinoo Mankad’s journey is a testament to the resilience and determination required to overcome challenges and make a mark in the world of cricket. Despite his untimely demise, his legacy lives on, serving as an inspiration to aspiring cricketers striving to achieve greatness.
