Mandeep Singh, an Indian hitter, has declared his intention to join Tripura for the 2024–25 domestic season, leaving the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA). With this declaration on August 10, the talented right-hand hitter will conclude his 14-year relationship with his native state of Punjab and embark on a new adventure.
Singh, who played his first-class cricket for Punjab during the 2010–11 Ranji Trophy season, has been an important member of the team’s batting lineup in all competitions. His impact to Punjab cricket has been enormous, with over 14,000 runs, 19 centuries, and 81 fifties. The 32-year-old scored 87 runs in three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) for India in 2016. His best performance came against Zimbabwe, where he went undefeated at 52.
After leading Punjab to their first-ever Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy victory in the 2023–24 season, Mandeep had a successful captaincy tenure there before moving to Tripura. He demonstrated both his leadership and batting prowess that season, scoring 167 runs in eight innings at a 138.01 strike rate to win the championship. Mandeep thanked the PCA and acknowledged their importance in his life in an emotional post on his social media account.
“I have experienced an incredible journey at PCA, starting from junior level and progressing to senior level. I am also grateful for the opportunity to be the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Winning Captain for 2023–2024,” Mandeep posted on his ‘X’ handle.
On to the next chapter.. Waheguru Mehar Kare 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/b1l5IXfVGI
— Mandeep Singh (@mandeeps12) August 10, 2024
Over the years, PCA has supported me: Mandeep Singh
Mandeep Singh also expressed his gratitude to Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, Dilsher Khanna, the PCA secretary, and Yuvraj Singh for their support throughout pivotal moments in Singh’s professional life. The right-hand hitter announced that he had moved to Tripura to play for them in the upcoming season, having given the decision much thought and deliberation.
“Dilsher Khanna, the PCA secretary, Yuvraj Singh, and Harbhajan Singh deserve my gratitude for their unwavering support over the years. He continued, “I also want to express my gratitude to the staff and members of PCA Management who have supported me over the years.
Nevertheless, I believe it’s time for me to start a new chapter in my work after giving it some thought. After careful consideration, I have concluded that the time is now to play cricket for Tripura in the forthcoming domestic season. In conclusion, Mandeep expressed his excitement for the new beginnings at Tripura as well as for the numerous milestones and accomplishments that lie ahead.
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Wriddhiman Saha, who left Tripura after two seasons as captain and coach to return to Bengal, has created a hole that he has filled by moving to Tripura. Along with Jiwanjot Singh, another player from Punjab, the Tripura Cricket Association has also hired PV Shashikanth as their head coach. He sees this move as a chance to make a name for himself. He currently plays in the North Yorkshire Premier League for Hull Zingari Cricket Club.