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The Indian Premier League is a league in which the players from around the world come together on one stage. But its not only a league also a stage where the superstars are created. Time and again, the young cricketer stands up, shows their ability and become a hero. The match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Kolkata Knight Riders which was held in Bengalaru, that hero was Mandeep Singh.
The match was diminish to 10 overs per side due to rain and KKR had given the awesome target of 112 in just 10 overs. As RCB began their chase of 112. All the eyes were on the star player Chris Gayle, Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers. But the star of this match was 23 year old guy Mandeep Singh who smashed the ball with the bat and played an awesome innings of 45 runs in just 18 balls. After all the big stars were send off back to pavilion. Mandeep manned up to take RCB to their first victory at home in this season.
In a talk with iplt20.com after the awesome victory, Mandeep said about the batting lessons he has received from the likes of AB de Villiers and Virat that he put to use on the day.
That was a blinder that you played!
Yes, I am feeling great. I have worked hard for this and it is heartening that it is paying off.
With Gayle and AB back into the hut, what mindset did you go in with?
With the total we were chasing, I knew I had to go from first ball. But I still decided to just play to the merit of the ball. I told myself that there will be opportunities to get boundaries. I just waited and it came off really nicely.
Did it help calm your nerves down having Virat at the other end?
It did, massively. It was a dream come true, batting with him. All he told me was to back myself and express myself without any doubt. Words like those from your captain in such pressure situation do a world of good to a young batsman.
When Virat got out, did your approach change in any way?
I made sure that I keep things simple. Sometimes, we tend to complicate things in our head. All the accomplished batsmen I have spoken to tell me one thing – keep the game simple in your head. Just react to the ball. I did that today. As simple as, if it is a bouncer I have to pull, and if it is a slower ball I have to wait. In the second last over I was hoping that Umesh (Yadav) misses the yorker and I can slog him. But he was bowling very well, so I thought I had to bring the paddle shot out. And it paid off.
Yes, where did that scoop come from? Have you been taking batting lessons from AB de Villiers?
I am (laughs). AB is a great cricketer but he is a greater man. AB and Virat have helped me a lot. In the previous game as well AB really built my confidence. He told me, ‘you have enough time to play the fast bowlers, so don’t hurry. Take your time and you will be alright’. That’s what I did today. I remained calm and waited for the ball to come.
First home win for RCB this season – it must taste very sweet.
It does. Very sweet indeed. The crowd has been behind us in all the matches and they badly deserved a win. I am glad that we have finally given it to them.
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