Daniel Manohar, the Hyderabad batsman, enjoyed a remarkable 11-season career, scoring 4009 runs with 8 centuries in 73 first-class matches and averaging 37.85 in domestic one-dayers. His finest moment came in 1997 with a brilliant 144 against Karnataka’s legendary attack of Anil Kumble, Javagal Srinath, Venkatesh Prasad, and Sunil Joshi. Though he came close to India selection during the 2002 Champions Trophy, he remains proud as only the third Hyderabad opener to cross 4000 runs. In this episode, Manohar reflects on his raw and remarkable journey – from sharing the crease with VVS Laxman and Nand Kishore to his transition into refereeing and guiding young cricketers.
Today, he is a prominent Match Referee for the IPL and BCCI and also runs the Phoenix Cricket Academy, where he plays an active role in nurturing and mentoring the next generation of cricketers.
