Mithun Manhas to represent Jammu and Kashmir in domestic cricket

Mithun Manhas, the 35-years old Delhi veteran will be representing the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) team in domestic circuit. Manhas recently announced his desire to leave Delhi after representing them for last 17 domestic seasons. He made his First-Class debut back in 1997-98 and has been a prolific run scorer for them ever since. With 9071 First-Class runs in 147 matches, Manhas’ experience will add value for the Parvez Rasool-led J&K side, which had an excellent season last year. This move will be a homecoming for him as he was was born in Jammu, but moved to Delhi in search of better cricketing opportunities. READ: Mithun Manhas follows Virender Sehwag in leaving Delhi

“It’s a sort of mixed bag emotions,” for Manhas, who is currently just 89 runs short of joining Wasim Jaffer (9759 runs), Amol Muzumdar (9202) and Hrishikesh Kanitkar (8059) in the elite club of batsmen with 8000 Ranji Trophy runs. Talking to ESPNCricinfo, about this decision, Manhas said, “While it was difficult to move on from Delhi where my cricket career has shaped up, I am delighted to be joining Jammu and Kashmir. Not only is it my home team but also because the team has been doing quite well in the domestic circuit over the last couple of years. I hope I can help them take their games to the next level.” READ: Parvez Rasool: Lack of infrastructure and intent by administrators destroying J&K cricket

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Manhas has “no regrets” on leaving Delhi. He said, “I spoke with Chetan Chauhan and he told me I could help groom Delhi youngsters. But I thought there are plenty of youngsters who are ready to shoulder more responsibility, so I should not stick around. Moreover, experienced players like Rajat Bhatia and Gautam Gambhir will ensure the youngsters will be taken care of even in Viru’s [Sehwag}, who has already moved to Haryana] and my absence.” He has already received the No Objection Certificate (NOC), which is required to apply for inter-state transfer as he will be playing for another state as a professional, from Delhi District Cricket Association (DDCA). Does anybody care for the domestic Indian cricketer?