Mithun Manhas (Image: Instagram)
September 28 could mark an important day in Indian cricket as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to elect its next set of office-bearers, including the all-important post of president. The position has been lying vacant since former India all-rounder Roger Binny stepped down three weeks ago. According to Cricbuzz, senior BCCI officials recently held discussions in Delhi with ruling BJP leaders, including a meeting at Home Minister Amit Shah’s residence, to finalise the leadership lineup. Now, as per a PTI report, former Delhi cricketer and current administrator of the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA), Mithun Manhas, has emerged as the frontrunner to take over as the next BCCI president.
Mithun Manhas’ Cricketing Journey
Although Mithun Manhas never broke into the Indian national side, he is widely respected for his domestic cricket achievements. Since making his first-class debut in 1997/98, he became a pillar of Delhi’s middle order. His biggest contribution came during Delhi’s Ranji Trophy triumph in 2007/08, where he played a vital role in ending their 16-year title drought.
Over a career spanning nearly two decades, Manhas featured in 157 first-class matches, scoring 9,714 runs at an average of 45.82, including 27 centuries and 49 half-centuries. Towards the later stages of his playing career, he moved to Jammu and Kashmir, representing them until his final first-class appearance in 2016.
IPL and Coaching Stints
In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Manhas turned out for Delhi Daredevils, Pune Warriors India and Chennai Super Kings. Post-retirement, he transitioned into coaching, taking up key roles. In domestic cricket, he was appointed chief coach of Delhi’s Ranji team in 2018. On the IPL front, he worked with Punjab Kings, before joining Royal Challengers Bengaluru as assistant coach in 2019. Most recently, he was with Gujarat Titans as assistant batting coach until this season.