IPL 2020
Days after losing his father, Mandeep Singh produced fifty wins at the top of the KXIP order © BCCI / IPL
One day after losing his father, Mandeep Singh had played against Sunrisers Hyderabad. And the 28-year-old continued to show great character not only by playing in Kings XI Punjab’s upcoming match against Kolkata Knight Riders, but also finishing with an undefeated 66 to lead him to their fifth straight win.
In the game’s final 16th, when Mandeep was in his fifties, it turned out to be an emotional moment for the starter as he looked up at the sky and paid tribute to his father by raising his bat. He received a standing ovation from his teammates on the bench and also applause from his hitting partner, Chris Gayle.
After KXIP posted an eight-wicket victory, Mandeep noticed that his father used to tell him to “not stay out at all games” and fulfilled his wishes by guiding the team to victory.
“My father used to tell me that ‘you must not stay out in all the games’ and that is what he wanted to do today. Even before the game I spoke with Rahul that’ he lets me play my game, even if I take few balls I can win games for him team. ‘I think my father would be very happy for the game to end, “he told IPLT20.com.
After languishing at the bottom of the table with just one win, KXIP has scheduled a surprising turnaround and is now in fourth place. Mandeep praised the kind of fighting spirit the franchise displays. “It’s just the confidence in ourselves that we’ve shown in the last few games. No matter what, we have to keep Punjabi he fights in every game, “he said at the post-game press conference.
“We are one of the best groups in IPL and we should play freely. Now the games are on our way. We were unlucky in the beginning but we were playing cricket well. We just needed to finish the games. We focus on the process and now on the luck is also helping us ”, he added.
Mandeep also shared a 100-run position with veteran hitter Gayle, with the pair setting the stage for victory. Mandeep said he has been “lucky” that in his IPL career he has had the opportunity to play alongside the players he has played. “I’ve been very lucky to have played with guys like Chris, AB, Kohli. And I started with Chris in 2010 with KKR and very lucky to know him as a friend. He’s so humble. He makes the game so easy and I’ve never seen him fight.”
© Cricbuzz
