Mumbai, Dec 9: In the ongoing match against Mumbai, Mandeep Singh struck his first century of the 2012-13 Ranji Trophy season. A talented young batsman, the 20-year-old hadn’t been amongst the runs since he returned from the India A tour where he had scored 193 in one of the multi-day games. However, he has been working on his batting and is glad to be back in good form. The youngster has also led the table-toppers in the absence of Harbhajan Singh and enjoyed being at the helm.
In a brief interaction with the media, Mandeep spoke about his batting and his knock against Mumbai on Day 1 of the sixth round match.
Excerpts from his press interaction:
On getting back in form
Yes, finally I got a hundred [this season] but I can say that it was a lucky innings. I got two-three chances after reaching the 70s. But as they say if you are not in good form, it is chances like these that can get you back in form. It was good out there.
On whether shot selection has been a concern or whether it has been a case of bad form
It has been a mix of various factors. I have played a two-three bad shots on occasions. When I came back from the India A [tour] and played in the Duleep Trophy, I played a few bad shots there too. In the Ranji season so far, I have got out playing a couple of bad shots, and had got a couple of bad decisions as well. When you are in bad form, nothing goes your way sometimes. But today was slightly lucky, so I could make it.
On how he has worked on his shot selection
I have been working hard on it. When I came back from the India A [tour] and the Duleep Trophy match didn’t go well for me, I thought I needed to work on certain things. So, I was working on my batting especially on my defense because the ball swings a lot in Mohali. If you want to survive in Mohali, your defense has to be good and you should be able to leave the ball. So, I have been working on it and things went well for me here.
On the advice from Vikram Rathore
He knew my form wasn’t good and since he was the Punjab coach for two years he knows how I bat. He spoke to me about my shot selection especially while playing here, where the ball swings in the evening. He has been telling me to play ball-by-ball. When your form is not good, the more time you spend at the crease the better it will be to get back in form. We just spoke about the basics.
On playing watchfully tomorrow morning especially with a new partner
Yes, we will play watchfully because the ball is new and if they get a couple of wickets then will come back into the match. My staying at the crease is important.
On playing well against Mumbai
If you do well against Mumbai and the team position is good [it feels good], the knock was crucial. The last wicket that we lost today, that of Uday Kaul was a very important one and it gives them a chance because he is one of our main players and the backbone of the team. The game is still open so we have to play the new-ball well in the morning. I am set so my role is important. It is important that I come and play the new ball [and see it through].
On how far does he think he is from earning an India cap
Honestly, I feel that if you start thinking about these things then the pressure on you increases. When I came back from the India A [tour] I had started thinking about these things but that increases the pressure so it is better to take it one game at a time. If you are batsmen take it session by session when you are batting and not think about things like selection.
On leading the Punjab side
I have led the junior team for Punjab as well so I enjoy that so it doesn’t put any added pressure on me or any such thing. If there are a two-three seniors around then it becomes easier because they keep giving good advice. So it doesn’t affect by batting. I enjoy it.
