'I was shocked to see Virat Kohli’s intensity towards training' - Mandeep Singh recalls his RCB days

Mandeep Singh, who is now a part of the Delhi Capitals’ set-up, was also with the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for three seasons in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Recalling his playing days for the franchise, Mandeep said that he was awestruck to see Virat Kohli’s intensity at training.

He represented RCB from 2015-2018 and was ordinary during his overall stint. Once considered as the rising star of Indian cricket, Mandeep failed to live up to the expectations. However, the 30-year-old while speaking in a ShareChat Audio Chatroom session – ‘CricChat powered by Parimatch’ said about Virat’s fitness and how it helped him become a consistent batter in T20Is. 

“When I joined RCB, I was shocked to see Virat Kohli’s intensity towards training. His fitness has been instrumental in making him a consistent performer in T20 cricket. It has helped the bowlers improve and has helped Test cricket overall,” said Mandeep Singh.

The Punjab-based player also spoke how Ricky Ponting and Rishabh Pant made Delhi Capitals’ a professional franchise. He said that the head coach treats everyone equally and focuses on discipline on and off the field. “Ricky Ponting and Rishabh Pant have made Delhi Capitals an extremely professional franchise. Ponting loves discipline and commitment and treats everyone equally,” the Punjab cricketer added.

Mahi Bhai asked me to be ready before my debut: Mandeep

Once considered as a huge potential, Mandeep Singh could never replicate that in the senior squad. He was one of India’s best U19 talents and thus, fans and experts expected him to follow the path of Virat Kohli and be the next big thing in Indian cricket. He did represent India on three occasions and recalled how MS Dhoni spoke to him before making his debut against Zimbabwe in 2016. 

“I was playing in the IPL when I found out about my selection. My father always used to tell me, if I play cricket, I must play for India. I met Mahi Bhai in the lift one day prior to my debut and he asked me to be ready for the next day. Being on the ground was surreal,” he said. The 30-year-old scored 87 runs in the series with his personal best of 52 not out. He was never again considered for selection.