Last IPL season’s hero Mandeep looking to regain top form

However,the cricketer failed to shine for Punjab in the domestic season and apart from his double hundred against Mumbai,Mandeep did not have much to show to the selectors.

Speaking on the sidelines of North Zone T-20 cricket tournament for Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in Rohtak,Mandeep Singh told Sportline,“Last IPL turned out to be quite good for me. It established me as a player. I did not score many runs in the season while playing for Punjab,but I have worked hard on my shortcomings. The confidence of last IPL is still there,and I know if I believe in my abilities and remain focused,I will be able to fire for Kings XI Punjab in IPL matches. I am looking towards the challenges. Even Shikhar Dhawan had an average domestic season last-to-last year,but look at him now. ”

Mandeep and captain Gilchrist open the innings for KXIP in last year’s IPL, when former Indian cricketer and Punjab coach Vikram Rathore was attached with the Kings. Rathore was Mandeep’s guiding force and also his biggest strength. But this season,because Rathore has become the national selector (North Zone),he won’t be there with the Punjab outfit.

Talking about how Rathore’s absence affects his performance,Mandeep said,“It was of great help to have Vikram paaji around while he was Punjab team’s coach and also during his stint with KXIP. I have learnt a lot from him. I will miss him for sure,but at the same time I have not lost touch with him. I keep talking to him about my lows and highs. Leaving everything behind,I am looking forward to the next 50 days of cricket. I got recognition from IPL,and I wish to repeat it this season also.”In Harbhajan’s absence,Mandeep even skippered the Punjab team in the Ranji Trophy and led the team to the semis.

KXIP is not a side which has big national or international stars in the ranks and old horses like Adam Gilchrist,Mike Hussey,Praveen Kumar,Piyush Chawla form the fulcrum of the team. Unperturbed by this,Mandeep is hopeful that KXIP will have a turnaround and won’t miss the big stars at all.

He felt,“I have been keeping in touch with players from other IPL teams. They do not get much exposure as the big stars hog the limelight. I think we have a wonderful team combination. Gilchrist and other seniors make sure that every cricketer is given a chance to prove his worth. It was due to them that Gurkirat and I got opportunity last season. Moreover,the addition of more Punjab cricketers will further enhance our chances and bolster the team.”

This time around the bulk of Punjab talent including Manpreet Gony,Sandeep Sharma and Manan Vohra have been drafted into the KXIP team.