New Delhi, Aug 22:
Close on the heels of Virender Sehwag’s decision to leave Delhi for Haryana, another domestic heavyweight Mithun Manhas has also decided to leave Delhi after 17 seasons with his home state.
It was learnt that Manhas, who will soon turn 36, has decided to apply for NOC from Delhi, which is required to apply for inter-state transfer as he will be playing for another state as a professional.
“Yes, I have decided to leave Delhi and play for another state this season. I have already applied to Delhi & Districts Cricket Association (DDCA) for NOC. There are a few offers in the pipeline but at this point of time, I will not be able to reveal where I am going. May be in another couple of days time, I will be able to tell you,” Manhas said when asked about his departure from Delhi.
Manhas has been a Delhi giant for close to a decade and a half as he shouldered the burden of state team’s batting in the absence of Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli, who have been away on national duty during various phases.
The stylish right-hander scored 9071 runs in 147 first-class matches at an average of 45.81 with 25 centuries.
He was also the captain of the North Zone team that won Duleep Trophy in the 2006-07 season. He has also played for India A, India Green in the NKP Salve Challenger Series.
He also scored close to 1000 runs (921 runs) in the 2007-08 season when Delhi won the Ranji Trophy under Gautam Gambhir.
DDCA top official Chetan Chauhan said that they have no objection to either of Sehwag and Manhas leaving Delhi and plying their trade for some other state.
“We have received application for NOC from Virender Sehwag and Mithun Manhas. The DDCA will certainly grant them NOC as we have no problems if they want to play for another state,” Chauhan said.
The DDCA wants to infuse fresh blood in their line-up with a few players like right-hander Milind Kumar, left-hander Mohit Sharma not getting enough chances in the past few years.
It is still not clear as to who among current skipper Gautam Gambhir or former captain Rajat Bhatia will be leading the team in the upcoming domestic season.
If the seniors decline to take the offer, it can be young India A limited overs captain Unmukt Chand, who will be entrusted with the duty of leading the side. (PTI)
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