da 888casino： Mandeep Singh has evolved to become an important member of the Kings XI Punjab side, and he hasn’t allowed that success to get into his head
da pixbet： Amol Karhadkar26-Apr-2013Before Mandeep Singh moved to Kings XI Punjab last year, had a consistent IPL, and was adjudged the “rising star” of that season, he wasn’t unaccustomed to success. He was appointed vice-captain for India’s Under-19 World Cup campaign in 2010 and that was followed by an impressive stint in domestic cricket. After the 2012 IPL, he had a productive time for India A in New Zealand and then led Punjab in the Ranji Trophy, all this before he turned 21.Mandeep’s journey from a talented teenager to recognition as a reliable batsman is not unlike that of some others who’ve let success get into their heads. However, Mandeep comes across the same enthusiastic, yet composed, cricketer he was three yearsago. And even after playing a match-winning knock for Kings XI Punjabagainst Pune Warriors last weekend, another feather in his cap, Mandeep hasn’t been lured by distractions off the field.Instead, he has eyes set on repeating the performances from his last two outings – an excellent stand against Warriors followed by a cameo at the top before being run out while chasing a small target against Delhi Daredevils – when the Kings XI face defendingchampions Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens on Friday.While most from his generation – he is 21 – have found difficult to deal with the fame andfortune that follows success in the IPL, how does he manage to keep hisfeet on the ground? “It’s not really difficult,” Mandeep toldESPNcricinfo. “Besides my family and friends, I would give a lot of creditto Gilly (Adam Gilchrist, the Kings XI captain). He keeps on sayingsituations may differ, but your attitude should be the same. That is what Ihave listened to him saying and seen him doing over the last two seasons.And I feel it’s important for me to keep reminding it to myself.”Mandeep emerged as the surprise package of 2012. Not only was he Kings XI’s leading run-getter, he also ended the season as the highest run-getter among those in the league that year who hadn’t played international cricketHe followed that up by scoring 193 for India A in New Zealand and thenled Punjab for most of their Ranji Trophy campaign in HarbhajanSingh’s absence.Even before he was 21, he notched up his maiden double-century infirst-class cricket and led Punjab’s charge in the Ranji Trophy’s leaguestage. The Punjab manager and coach Arun Sharma said Mandeep is a responsible individual, both on and off the field, and that he kept encouraging his team-mates even when Punjab were struggling in the initial phase of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, the domestic T20 tournament. They eventually reached the final.Still, Mandeep felt that exceptfor his double-century, against Mumbai at Wankhede Stadium, and a 96against Jharkhand in the Ranji quarter-final, he didn’t fulfil hispotential.”I would say it wasn’t a great season for me as a batsman, but an averageseason. In that regard, it’s imperative for me to beconsistent in the IPL.”Mandeep has no confusion about his role with hisfranchise. With Gilchrist having failed to make any significantcontribution with the bat in their seven games so far, Mandeep has emerged asthe main opener. “Last year, I used to be happy to have given the team a goodstart by making use of the first six overs. That was my role. But now Iconsider myself as one of the main batsmen in the side and that’s why Ihave to consistently keep on getting good starts and then converting itinto a match-winning innings.”If he can translate his words into action, Kings XI may emerge asone of the surprise title contenders as the tournament heads towards the play-offs.