It's in my hands to score runs, not worrying on selection: Mandeep Singh

He was the vice-captain of India Under-19 team in the 2010 World Cup, Mandeep Singh now has close to 4,000 first-class runs, including ten centuries – 235 being his highest. Part of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) franchise in IPL, Mandeep’s performances in Indian Premier League and in the limited-overs formats in domestic cricket, has helped him earn accolades.

The Indian selectors are keeping a close watch on the Syed Mushtaq Ali tournament with the World Twenty20 probables yet to be selected. Mandeep, who was also part of the list for the previous World T20, is hopeful that he can make it to the final squad this time. However, he insists that batting well for Punjab and winning matches for the state is foremost on his mind.

“Every player wants to play for India, that’s the ultimate dream, but honestly, I’m just focussing on winning the matches for Punjab,” Mandeep said. “I think we are a very good bunch but we haven’t won even a single trophy in four-five years. I think we were the favourites, you can say, in the Vijay Hazare Trophy but again we lost in the quarters.

“As of now I’m looking to win matches for Punjab, but definitely on the back of the mind, there is the (thought) that I should get a chance sooner rather than later. That’s more with the performance, and if I keep on performing like this then definitely (a call-up is on the cards), why not?

“But I don’t want to think too much about that. Ultimately, you tend to put too much pressure on yourself and miss out on your matches. Honestly, I want to do well for Punjab because in junior circuits we have won many trophies but this senior team we are yet to win. It’s in my hands to score runs and I’m not worrying about selection. But If I can keep on performing like this then I have a good chance,” he adds. Punjab will be playing Jharkhand at Kochi today in their Syed Mushtaq Ali tournament meet.