Irish cricketer Simi Singh gets nostalgic after returning to Mohali

India-born Irish cricketer Simi Singh is surely living the Irish dream. The 33-year old all-rounder recently made his debut for Ireland in the tri-series this June. More recently, he hit a brilliant ton for Ireland A in the challenging conditions against Bangladesh. He has now set his eyes on bigger goals. He visited his home town Mohali, India and got nostalgic about his playing days there.

He strolled to St. Soldier Cricket Academy, the place where he practiced in his U19 days, and caught up with the groundstaff as well. Simi Singh mentioned that every time he scores runs for Ireland, he remembers his days in Chandigarh and Mohali. He noted that Ireland have a big calendar lined up that included their first-ever Test match against Pakistan. He is all geared up for the occasion.

“I have come to India after two years and it is a whole new experience. I came to the academy in 2009 after coming back from Ireland. I trained for one year and I would often come with my friends from Mohali. Whenever I score runs, I always remember my days in Chandigarh and Mohali,” quoted Simi Singh.

“I have hit eight centuries in the last six months and the last century in Bangladesh for Ireland A came in challenging conditions. We play Scotland, Zimbabwe and Afghanistan next before West Indies tour and World Cup qualifiers. But the most important will be Ireland’s first Test against Pakistan in May next year. Pakistan have world class bowlers like Mohammed Amir and I have been batting against left-arm pacers in nets and facing 90 kph balls with bowling machine,” he added further.

Moving to Ireland

Simi Singh had moved to Ireland in 2005 to pursue his education. He had moved there on advice of his friend Gauravjeet Singh Sandhu. Sandhu, as per the quotes in the Indian Express, recalled that once they took their kit bags to Ireland and started playing club cricket, there was no looking back. He mentioned that he feels proud to see his friend represent the national side.

“I have known Simi for the last 20 years. We trained under Sukhwinder Tinku sir together. I went to Ireland in 2004 and I called him after six months and we had taken our kit bags with us. I came back to India in 2008 to manage my business. Seeing him play for Ireland is like oh khedya te main khedya. Idan lagda ki main hi khed gaya (It’s like he played and I played. I feel that I have played for Ireland). My two-and-a-half-year-old daughter Mehar had always seen Simi play on television and she will surely meet her cricketer uncle in real,” said 31-year-old Gauravjeet Singh Sandhu.

The hardwork

Groundsman Ram Kewal remarked that Simi has not changed one bit. He mentioned that Simi used to train very hard as a youngster and that continues to be the story now as well. He hopes to see Simi Singh score more and more tons for Ireland in the future.

“Whenever Simi bhaji used to come for training, he was the first one to come and last one to leave. Today, when he has come back as an international cricketer, he is still like the old trainee for us. He wants bouncy wickets to practise and if he can score a century for Ireland in the coming tours, it will be a reward for all of us,” said Ram Kewal.

Word of Advice

Simi Singh shared words of wisdom for the youngsters. He mentioned that one should never give up on their dreams. He wanted to play international cricket and he is doing it, albeit in a different country. At least, he is living his dream!

“My advice to the youngsters is to never give up. I went to another country to pursue my dream. I am 30 now but I am seeing it a new start and aiming to give my 100 per cent to the game,” conceded the Irish cricketer.