This former cricketer stood by emotional Virat Kohli in 2006, now he is going to lead...

As Mithun Manhas prepares to take charge as the next president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), stories from Delhi’s cricketing circles highlight why he is considered both ‘bright’ and ‘street smart.’ Known for being in the right place at the right time and saying the right things, Manhas has built a reputation as a shrewd leader on and off the field.

A Defining Moment with Virat Kohli

Recalling one of the most emotional moments in Delhi cricket, a former cricketer shared how Manhas handled Virat Kohli’s personal tragedy in 2006. During a Ranji Trophy match against Karnataka, Kohli’s father passed away overnight. As Delhi captain, Manhas told the young batter to go home, but when Kohli insisted on continuing, Manhas supported his decision. That innings went on to define Kohli’s grit, and Manhas’s sensitivity as a leader was remembered.

Also Read: Mithun Manhas emerges as leading candidate for BCCI presidency

IPL Career and Strong Friendships

Though Manhas’s T20 record was modest, 514 runs in 55 IPL games at a strike rate of 109.36 with no fifties, his career flourished thanks to strong friendships with influential teammates. Playing under Virender Sehwag for Delhi Daredevils and later alongside Yuvraj Singh for Pune Warriors and Kings XI Punjab, Manhas remained a trusted squad member.

Choosing the Right Path

From the beginning, Manhas showed a knack for making smart choices. Initially part of the famous Sonnet Club, he stayed only until his Delhi selection. After securing a job with ONGC under the sports quota, he gradually moved on, unlike contemporaries such as Ashish Nehra or Rishabh Pant who remained core 'Sonnet kids.'

As he steps into BCCI’s top post, Manhas’s mix of cricketing skill, political acumen, and street-smart instincts may well define his tenure.