'I had a score of 18.3 in the Yo-Yo Test' - Mandeep Singh believes age not a barrier to fitness and skills in cricket

Mandeep Singh had been the face of Punjab in the domestic circle for over a decade, and his move to Tripura for the 2024-25 season sent shockwaves in the Indian cricketing circuit. The Jalandhar-born announced his Punjab departure on social media, thanking the association for unwavering support throughout the years. The underlying rationale behind his decision, however, was revealed only the following day.

In the revelation, the cricketer addressed the pre-conceived notions of various stakeholders, quashing the age-based perceptions on fitness and skills in a player's longevity. The former Punjab skipper also underscored his Yo-Yo Test scores to testify his athletic abilities, even after crossing the age of 30. 

“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,” stated Mandeep, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

Felt Punjab won't consider me for all three formats: Mandeep

Furthermore, the domestic veteran added the real reason behind leaving Punjab, which was backed by growth apprehension. With youngsters saturating the set-up, Mandeep felt a big team like Punjab won't consider him for all or multiple formats, especially white-ball ones. But to his delight, the cricketer accepted the Tripua opportunity with both hands, as he felt it would be the right team to seek individual goals.

“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,” mentioned the ace batter.

Notably, Mandeep's dawn came when the likes of Yuvraj Singh and Harbhajan Singh were on the verge of calling it a day. Leading by example, Mandeep fulfilled his dream of winning a trophy for the side, and achieved it with the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title in the previous season.

The breakup between Mandeep and Punjab though, is more like an open relationship by the former, as he needs space from the partner.