My Father Always Used To Tell Me You Should Remain Not Out In The Game: Mandeep Singh

Updated - 27 Oct 2020, 12:52 AM

Mandeep Singh
Mandeep Singh (Credits: Twitter)

Kings XI Punjab batsman Mandeep Singh blasted an outstanding half-century against Kolkata Knight Riders to ace the chase of 150 in Sharjah. Mandeep Singh, who struggled at one stage while opening the innings, found the rhythm and combined it with flair to remain unbeaten at 66 off 56 balls. The right-handed batsman dedicated the same to his father, who recently died due to a prolonged illness.

Mandeep Singh opened for Kings XI Punjab in the last game as well against SunRisers Hyderabad; however, perished only for 17. The camp responded beautifully by wearing black armbands to pay tribute to his late father. Not only that but Kings XI Punjab also beat SunRisers Hyderabad while defending a paltry total of 126 in Dubai.

Kings XI Punjab, KXIP, SunRisers Hyderabad, SRH, IPL, IPL 2020
Kings XI Punjab. (Photo: BCCI)

In Sharjah, Mandeep displayed his best version with the bat, striking 66 to register Kings XI Punjab’s fifth victory on the trot. The Punjab-born batsman’s flamboyant knock contained eight fours and two sixes in 58 balls, sharing a partnership of 100 with Chris Gayle. The fifth win on the bounce took the side to the fourth spot in the IPL 2020 points table and have a real shot in reaching the playoffs too.

“This was very special” : Mandeep Singh

Mandeep Singh and Chris Gayle. (Credits: IPLT20.com)

The 28-year old highlighted the unbeaten 66 as a very special knock and dedicated the same to his father. Mandeep Singh revealed that his late father always used to tell him to remain unbeaten no matter how many runs he scored. Mandeep stated that KL Rahul advised him to play his natural game when he was not feeling comfortable at the crease and asked Chris Gayle not to retire at all.

This was very special. My father always used to tell me you should remain not out in the game. This one is for him. Even if I scored a double hundred or a hundred, he used to ask me, ‘Why did you go out?’. My role was to score quicker, but I wasn’t comfortable doing it. So I told Rahul if I play my natural game, I can see this through. So he was okay with me taking my time and he went after the bowling. I just told Chris he should never retire. He is the World Boss. He is too good,” Mandeep told in the post-match presentation.

Also Read: IPL 2020: Eoin Morgan Disappointed At His Partnership With Shubman Gill Not Growing Further

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Indian Premier League 2020 Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) Mandeep Singh