Mandeep Singh, captain of the Punjab Ranji Trophy team showed solidarity with the protesting farmers by joining them at the Singhu Border near national capital Delhi. The farmers are protesting against the new farm bills brought by the central government.

The 28-year-old and his elder brother Harvinder Singh visited the agitating farmers at Delhi's Singhu border and expressed their solidarity.

"I went there to show my support to all the senior citizens, who are peacefully protesting in this biting cold. It is heartbreaking to see the conditions in which they are living," Mandeep told TOI from the Singhu border.

Monty Panesar expresses solidarity with the farmers’ protest at Delhi-Haryana border

"Tractors have become their new home, but they are not complaining. They are so happy and cheerful. I salute their spirit. It was a humbling experience for me. The whole country runs on the work done by farmers, and the issue needs to be resolved as soon as possible," he added.

Mandeep also said that had his father been alive, he would have joined the farmers as well. Sardar Hardev Singh passed away while Mandeep was in UAE playing for Kings XI Punjab in the IPL 2020. "If my father would have been alive, he would have also joined the protest. He must be a proud father because his sons did their bit," said an emotional Mandeep.

The 28-year-old also said he was surprised to see the amount of support pouring in from different quarters.

"I have never experienced anything like that in my entire life. It was soul satisfactory. It has moved me. I hope the government will listen to their demand, and all of them will be back to their loved ones," he signed off with the appeal.

(Times of India inputs)