Mandeep Singh Opens Up On His Fitness Skills

Mandeep Singh, a stalwart of Punjab cricket for over a decade, recently made headlines with his surprising move to Tripura for the 2024-25 season. His departure from Punjab, a team he had long represented, was announced via social media, where he expressed his deep gratitude to the Punjab Cricket Association for their steadfast support throughout his career. This announcement was met with considerable shock within the Indian cricketing community, highlighting the impact of his transition. The reasons behind Mandeep Singh's decision were clarified the following day. In a detailed explanation, he addressed and dispelled prevailing stereotypes regarding age and athletic performance. Despite being in his 30s, Mandeep emphasized that age should not be a determinant of a player's fitness or skill level. He specifically highlighted his impressive Yo-Yo Test scores, which demonstrated his exceptional physical condition and endurance. This test, often used to gauge a cricketer’s fitness, provided concrete evidence of his continued high performance despite the advancing years.

Mandeep's move to Tripura represents more than just a change of team; it is a statement against the age-based biases that often pervade sports. By showcasing his fitness and skill, he challenges the notion that age diminishes a player's capabilities, aiming to redefine perceptions and set a new standard for athletes well beyond their twenties.

“When you cross 30, people start thinking your career is coming to an end. Last year, I didn't get picked in the IPL either. I feel there's a lot of cricket left in me. I work hard on my fitness. I had a score of 18.3 in the Yo-Yo test last year. It's not like I am just dragging my career further,” said Mandeep Singh during a recent conversation. 

Mandeep Singh, a seasoned domestic cricketer, revealed additional reasons for his decision to leave Punjab, which were driven by concerns about growth and opportunities. With a new wave of young talent emerging in the Punjab setup, Mandeep felt that his chances of being selected for all formats, especially the white-ball games, were diminishing. He was concerned that a prominent team like Punjab might not fully value his contributions in the future. In contrast, the move to Tripura was seen as a promising opportunity for him to achieve his individual goals and continue making significant impacts on the field.

Mandeep's career trajectory has been notable, particularly during a period when cricketing icons like Yuvraj Singh and Harbhajan Singh were nearing the end of their careers. Leading by example, Mandeep realized his long-held ambition by winning the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy with Punjab in the previous season, a significant achievement that underscored his leadership and commitment.

The separation between Mandeep and Punjab, however, can be viewed as an amicable one, akin to an open relationship. Mandeep’s departure is not a complete severance but rather a strategic move to find space and new opportunities. This change is part of his broader quest for personal and professional growth, allowing him to pursue his ambitions while still respecting his past affiliations.

“I started getting a feeling that I would not be considered for all three formats for Punjab. Many youngsters are coming up and the team management may want to give them opportunities. But, I want to play all three formats as of now. So, when I got an offer from Tripura, I decided to accept it,” Mandeep stated.