After his inclusion in India's T20 squad to face England, Jalandhar-born batsman Mandeep Singh says he is keen to emulate his skipper Virat Kohli's run-scoring regularity
Mandeep Singh, Virat Kohali
Mandeep Singh made his T20 debut under MS Dhoni against Zimbabwe last year. Pic/Getty Images
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After an incredible Ranji Trophy season in which he piled up 319 runs for Punjab at an average of 53.16, Mandeep Singh is back into the T20 fold. The 25-year-old was included in the Indian side for three Twenty20s (January 26, January 29 and February 1) against England.
Mandeep made his T20 debut under MS Dhoni in the three-match series against Zimbabwe last year. "I have improved my front foot play this time. My strength was my footwork and this season I have played both on the front and back foot. Footwork was the key for me and this has been my major improvement," Mandeep, whose 95 helped India A beat Australia A in the final of the Quadrangular Series in September last year, told mid-day yesterday.
Virat Kohli
The Jalandhar-born batsman attributed his improvement to India A coach and former India skipper Rahul Dravid. "Rahul bhai helped me during this stage. I started to keep my bat on the ground and my head too was in a good position. Rahul bhai told me not to think too much about my technique as technically I was very strong, but more importantly to keep a cool and calm mind. He said not to think too much," he added.
Mandeep pointed out that although he is technically sound, he wants to learn how to be consistent from skipper and his Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) teammate Virat Kohli. "I just have to improve my fitness and have to increase my adaptability to a situation. I have to be more consistent and want to learn how to be consistent from Virat. Even if it's a T20 match, I can't just smash the ball all the time," Mandeep said.
About Kohli's elevation as skipper in all three formats, Mandeep said: "It's already benefiting Indian cricket. Virat has raised the standard of fitness and commitment in the game. If everyone follows his regime, it will be great."
Mandeep was also happy that his Punjab teammate Yuvraj Singh has made a comeback to the Indian side. "Yuvraj is like an older brother to me. He deserves his place," he concluded.
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