Indian batsman Mandeep Singh has finally decided to part ways with the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) and will play for Tripura this local season. He confirmed this on 10 August, thus ending his 14-year association with his home state of Punjab. Mandeep Singh, initially coming into the limelight playing first-class cricket for Punjab during the 2010-11 Ranji Trophy season, has been a mainstay in the side’s batting line-up across all formats. He has also gone on to score over 14,000 runs with 19 centuries and 81 fifties in that time frame.
His skills weren’t just limited to the domestic circuit, though; Singh made a fleeting appearance on the international scene last year, stepping out for India in three T20Is in 2016. He scored 87 runs in those, with an unbeaten 52 against Zimbabwe as his highest contribution.
For Mandeep Singh, moving to Tripura after six successful years as captain of Punjab has been clinched with the hope that the Runners-up Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2023-24 would just be a stepping-stone to greater success with his new team. His leadership was marked by a string of fine performances that saw him accrue 167 runs in eight innings at an impressive strike rate of 138.01 in the tournament.
ALSO READ: Tanvir Ahmed Mocks India’s ODI Loss, Questions Gautam Gambhir’s Coaching Debut
In a touching farewell statement put up on his social media account, Mandeep thanked the PCA for everything and even spoke about the importance of his journey with the association. “I had the greatest ride with PCA from junior to senior while having the best of luck in being the Winning Captain of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy for 2023-2024, Mandeep wrote on his ‘X’ handle”.
On to the next chapter.. Waheguru Mehar Kare 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/b1l5IXfVGI
— Mandeep Singh (@mandeeps12) August 10, 2024
Mandeep also took the opportunity to thank those important people who were always helping him during his career. He escalated his gratitude for the support towards Dilsher Khanna, Secretary of PCA, and greats of the game, Yuvraj Singh, and Harbhajan Singh for being by his side in times of need. After much thought, Mandeep informed that he would be joining Tripura and expressed his eagerness about the prospects that lie ahead.
“I want to thank Dilsher Khanna, secretary of PCA, Yuvraj Singh, and Harbhajan Singh for being our staunch supporters over the years. I also thank the members of PCA Management and the work force supporting me over the years,” he added.
ALSO READ: Kumar Sangakkara Poised To Leave Rajasthan Royals; Rahul Dravid Likely To Step In As Head Coach
“After pondering over it a lot, I now feel I need to open a new chapter in my career. I guess now is the right time to move on and play cricket for Tripura in the domestic season that lies ahead. Really looking forward to starting a new chapter at Tripura. Together, let’s hope to achieve many more milestones and success ahead,” said the 29-year-old.
His knowledge and experience will now fill the huge gap created by Wriddhiman Saha, who captained the side and nurtured the team before he made a return to represent Bengal. The Tripura Cricket Association has also strengthened their side by acquiring the services of yet another Punjab player in the form of Jiwanjot Singh, while simultaneously handing the reigns of the head coach office to PV Shashikanth. He now plies his trade with the Hull Zingari Cricket Club in the North Yorkshire Premier League. Shashikanth realizes that all this is a good time to make a mark with Tripura.
