Ashok Vinoo Mankad (1946–2008) was an Indian cricketer who represented India in Test cricket and had a long, prolific career in Indian domestic cricket. The son of the legendary all-rounder Vinoo Mankad, he was a right-handed batsman known for his consistency at the first-class level, particularly while leading Bombay (now Mumbai) in the Ranji Trophy.
| Full name | Ashok Vinoo Mankad |
|---|---|
| Born | 1946 |
| Died | 2008 |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Batting | Right-handed |
| Role | Batsman |
| Domestic team | Bombay (Ranji Trophy) |
| Father | Vinoo Mankad |
| Format | Test cricket |
Ashok Mankad was born into one of Indian cricket's most prominent families. His father, Vinoo Mankad, was an all-rounder regarded among the finest in Indian cricket history, famed for his exploits with bat and ball during the 1940s and 1950s. Ashok's brothers Atul and Rahul Mankad were also first-class cricketers, making the Mankads one of India's notable cricketing families.
Mankad spent the bulk of his career playing for Bombay in the Ranji Trophy, India's premier first-class competition. Bombay was the dominant force in domestic Indian cricket through this era, and Mankad was part of, and later led, sides that captured multiple Ranji Trophy titles. He was widely respected for his accumulation of runs in domestic cricket and for his shrewd captaincy. His tactical acumen and ability to handle a dressing room of senior internationals contributed to Bombay's continued dominance during the 1970s.
Mankad played Test cricket for India during the late 1960s and early 1970s. He toured with the Indian side and was part of the squad during a transitional period when India was emerging as a competitive Test team, particularly with its famed spin attack. Although his international career was relatively short, he remained a significant figure in Indian cricket through his domestic record.
After retiring as a player, Mankad continued his association with Indian cricket through coaching and team management roles. He was involved with various Indian sides in supporting capacities and contributed to the development of younger cricketers. He died in 2008.
Ashok Mankad's legacy lies primarily in domestic cricket, where his weight of runs and captaincy made him a central figure of the Bombay school of batsmanship — characterised by patience, technical correctness, and a focus on big scores. He is also remembered as a key link in the multi-generational Mankad family contribution to Indian cricket.