Emotions got the better of Mandeep Singh as he watched Mohammed Siraj leading the Indian cricket team off the field after claiming his maiden five-wicket haul in Test cricket during Australia’s second innings at the Gabba last week.
Siraj lost his father before the Border-Gavaskar Trophy started in Australia. He had the option to return home to attend the last rites but he stayed with the team to fulfill his father's dream to represent India in Tests.
See Also: Mohammed Siraj says phone call with mom inspired him to fulfill dad's wish
Just like Siraj, Mandeep had also made this tough decision during the last year’s IPL in UAE.
“I can relate to his pain,” Mandeep told TOI in an exclusive chat.
In October 2020, Mandeep’s father Hardev Singh passed away after a long illness. At the time, the Punjab lad had shown great courage and resolve and came out to bat for KXIP within a few hours of his dad’s demise.
Earlier this month, Mandeep’s wife, Jagdeep Jaswal, gave birth to their first child in London. Since Mandeep was leading Punjab in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he missed one of his life’s most precious moments.
“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 remarked.
Considering that the BCCI is yet to take a final call on the staging of Ranji Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy, Mandeep might have to wait a little longer to see his son.
“They can’t come to India for at least three months, and I will have to go. I am waiting for the BCCI’s announcement on Ranji Trophy and Vijay Hazare so that I can go and come back before the IPL. There are lots of uncertainties, and I don’t know what to do,” he stated.
In the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Mandeep has led Punjab brilliantly. They have won all their five matches in the group stage and will face Karnataka in the quarterfinals on January 26.
“I have always believed that this is the trophy we can win. They (Punjab players) are young but not inexperienced; most of them are regular for their IPL teams. In a four-day game, we might lack experience, but I believe we are a strong team in the shorter format,” Mandeep said.
(With TOI inputs)
