'Have not seen a six hit that far': Kashmiri Manzoor Dar’s coach after his ward gets picked by KXIP for IPL 2018

Many outside Jammu and Kashmir had not heard his name before Sunday when he became only the second player from the state to be drafted into an IPL franchise. His name is Pandav, Manzoor Pandav! And he is a magician of bat in the Mahabharata of T20 Cricket.

A big hitter, Manzoor Ahmad Dar aka Manzoor Pandav scored big in the IPL auctions today when he was picked by Kings XI Punjab for Rs 20 lakhs. A T20 specialist, Manzoor is capable of hitting big sixes over the fence with ease.

Coming from a humble background, Manzoor was spotted by J&K Cricket Association coach Abdul Qayoom when he was playing club cricket in border district of Bandipora in North Kashmir. 

“He was playing for local clubs in Bandipora. But when I saw his talent, we brought him to Srinagar. Given his penchant for big hits, he was included in the T20 team”, Qayoom told DNA.

Manzoor did not disappoint the team either and became one of the star performers in the T20 tourney last year. "He is a big hitter of a ball. In one of the matches at Dharmashala, he hit a huge six which was more than 100 yards. I have not seen such a big hit so far”, said Qayoom.

In fact, the coaches were expecting him to make debut in IPL last year given his performance. “Last year he was a very good performer and we were expecting him to be picked for the IPL. It is a proud moment for all of us that he has been picked up”, said Qayoom.

Son of a labourer, Manzoor used to do odd jobs to help the family in meeting the ends. Cricket was his passion and he always remained connected with the game. “He is a good listener. He listens to the advice and also implements it for the greater good of himself and the game”, said Qayoom.

His coach said Manzoor can also bowl medium pace in the match. “He is a batting all rounder who can bowl three, four overs with medium pace easily”, said Qayoom.

In recently concluded Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 trophy, Manzoor had several decent performances which helped him being noticed at the national stage. 

Soon after he was picked up, he took to Twitter to thank the Kings XI Punjab for reposing faith in him. “Thank you to the @lionsdenkxip for providing me opportunity to Show the world what I am. I’m extremely excited to Join the #PunjabiBoys Cant wait," he said.

Social media was abuzz to congratulate the new kid on the block. “Congratulations & all the best for the tournament. Look forward to watching you play”, said Omar Abdullah, former J&K chief minister.

Congratulating the batsman, state sports Minister Imran Ansari hinted that IPL chairman Rajiv Shukla had helped in getting Dar picked up by the Punjab franchise.

"I am personally thankful to Mr Rajiv Shukla Chairman #IPL who has been support for Kashmiri's today once again showed his commitment to what he says he does. A Big thanks Sir.God Bless you," Ansari tweeted.

"Congratulations Manzoor Dar (Pandav). Make JK Proud and thanks to friends who made this happen," the minister added.