I Can Relate To Mohammed Siraj's Pain - Mandeep Singh

Kings XI Punjab batsman, Mandeep Singh got emotional watching Mohammed Siraj take his maiden five-wicket haul in the recent Test match against Australia at Brisbane. Mohammed Siraj, playing his first Test series, looked to the heavens to his late father after snaring his fifth wicket at the Gabba.

Siraj’s father passed away while he was in India, indeed about just a week after he landed there and much before the Test series began. However, the pacer, with immense courage, decided to stay with the team. He was given his Test debut in Melbourne and returned as the leading wicket-taker for India in the series.

Mandeep Singh also had gone through similar emotions. The right-hander was playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in the UAE for Kings XI Punjab when in October his father passed away in India. Mandeep also decided to stay with his team in the UAE – a few days later after his father’s demise, he struck a match-winning 66* against Kolkata Knight Riders.

“I can relate to his(Siraj) pain,” Mandeep told Times of India.

I will have to live with the guilt of missing my father’s funeral and the birth of my son: Mandeep Singh

Also, recently, Mandeep’s wife, Jagdeep Jaswal, gave birth to their first child in London. Since the right-hander was leading Punjab in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he decided to miss the birth of his child.

The 29-year-old says he has to live with the guilt of missing out on two invaluable moments of his personal life. Indeed, Mandeep, who has played 3 T20Is for India, reveals his wife asked him to not miss the matches.

“It has been quite a few months for me. I was in a very tight spot. My wife told me the next couple of years are crucial for my career, and cricket should be my priority. Never in my life, I had ever thought that I would have to take such strong decisions,” said Mandeep.

“I will have to live with the guilt of missing my father’s funeral and the birth of my son. I am not able to sleep properly. However, I am happy that my wife and son are in good health,” he further added.

Mandeep Singh’s sacrifices are not going in vain as Punjab has won all five of their group stage matches in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. They will take on defending champions, Karnataka on Tuesday.

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