Prerak Mankad is one of those names in the domestic circuit, who has been hitting the right chords with both bat and ball. An integral part of Saurashtra that has defied all the odds to win Ranji Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy in recent times, Prerak is now ready for a step-up.
Having established himself as one of the star all-rounders for Saurashtra with around 1000 runs under his belt at a strike rate of 140-plus and average of 30 in the shortest format of the game, Prerak is guaranteed to be one of the hot properties come the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 auction, to be held in Kochi on Friday (December 23).
When Punjab Kings released the 28-year-old to free up their purse, it came as a massive surprise to many. However, Prerak is now seeking a team where he will get consistent opportunities to showcase his skills in the best T20 league in the world. Will it be Punjab Kings or someone else? Time will tell.
In a freewheeling interview with RevSportz, Prerak Mankad talked about a range of things starting from his game-style, time with Punjab Kings, success with Saurashtra, meeting idols MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli, and much more.
Excerpts:
Subhayan Chakraborty: You are having a great run since the last couple of years for Saurashtra. Do you feel you are ready for a step-up, in India A or even India?
Prerak Mankad: I’m not saying I’m not ready, but I will say that I am still working on my game. There’s a lot of scope for improvement. I believe that I can deliver at the highest level. I have been working hard, preparing myself during the offseason and even when I was with Punjab Kings, I worked extra on my bowling and still doing so. I am ready to take the next step but not a finished product yet.
Tell us about your bowling. You bowled some crunch overs for Saurashtra in Syed Mushtaq Ali and Vijay Hazare Trophy. What do you feel was the reason behind such smooth execution of your skills?
Prerak Mankad: I did well in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy. I bowled some crucial overs even at the death. In Saurashtra, our team culture is very simple, we stick to our basics and we stick to our strengths. We play as a unit, as a team, but as an individual as well. Everyone knows where they need to improve, what are the areas they can work at on a season by season basis. I have been working on my bowling and fitness so that I remain fit for the entire season. We have a long domestic season this year so I have been working on my fitness. Saurashtra has been very clear with my role in what to do in the convention of playing. A couple of things in batting, mastering a couple of deliveries which I can execute during the pressure situations.
Tell us about your experience with Punjab Kings…
Prerak Mankad: I am and always will be grateful for the Punjab Kings to give me the opportunity to showcase my skill and my ability at the highest level and the support staff, Anil Kumble sir, Jonty Rhodes sir and all the other support staff and also senior senior players like Mayank Agarwal, Shikhar Dhawan, I was able to communicate with them freely. A great experience to learn with from the senior pros of cricket.
Grateful for this opportunity.
We played, we fought, we learnt. We will come back stronger. @PunjabKingsIPL @IPL #PunjabKings #TATAIPL2022 pic.twitter.com/t6I2sVN3gt— Prerak Mankad (@PrerakMankad46) May 23, 2022
And your meeting with Virat Kohli…that photo went viral.
Prerak Mankad: We had just finished a game and I wasn’t part of the XI. I just asked him a bit about fitness routine and nothing much… just a photograph with him because it was late after the IPL game.
Happiest birthday @imVkohli ❤️
Keep Inspiring All of Us. pic.twitter.com/p0TJfOvhNI— Prerak Mankad (@PrerakMankad46) November 5, 2022
And the experience of sharing the field with MS Dhoni…
Prerak Mankad: I am fortunate to have played against Mahi bhai (MS Dhoni) in Vijay Hazare Trophy. It was like a very low scoring game at Eden Gardens. It still feels surreal that I played against one of the greatest of the game.
What makes Kohli and Dhoni your idols?
Prerak Mankad: Everyone knows about Virat Kohli’s consistency in all three formats. The way he has won matches for India from difficult situations has been very inspirational. His journey has taught me to be consistent, be a vital part of any team you play for. And again the same thing for Mahi bhai (MS Dhoni) like the way he created that aura around him. The way he came to the Indian team from a small city and to take the leadership role and the way he handled the whole Indian cricket team. It’s really inspirational the way he played under the pressure situation, particularly when he finished matches for the Indian team. Really, really inspiration for me. I can’t say that I want to be like my Mahi bhai but if I can do a 1% or 5% of what he has done in his career then it’ll be an achievement for me.
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How has batting at death changed in these last 5-6 years? How do you look at your game as a finisher?
Prerak Mankad: Of course, power hitting is the main attraction for a finisher. I want to say that I’m not a power hitter but I’m more of a player who looks to play the field and then also uses the power whenever need be. I have that power but more I just tried to read the bowlers mind and try to play the field.
Perhaps a future back-up for Hardik Pandya?
Prerak Mankad: As I said, I’m working on my game to reach that level. I have to be more consistent in all the departments for my team, and for domestic teams that I’m playing, then I can say that I am ready for the Indian team.
What role has Jaydev Unadkat played in your career and for Saurashtra?
Prerak Mankad: It would be a huge comparison but I feel what Jaydev Unadkat has done for Saurashtra, the way he has connected each one of us, is very similar to what MS Dhoni did with the Indian team. Grooming the youngsters, backing them to the hilt, giving them the confidence to play in tough matches. JD bhai (Jaydev Unadkat) has played with MS Dhoni for the Pune franchise. And the way he is leading Saurashtra is remarkable. He understands the players, their strengths, and weaknesses. He is like an elder brother to me. We share a great bond both on and off the field. I can proudly say he is an inspiration not only for me but everyone who has followed his journey in all these years.