Overlooked for Punjab U-19, Ireland's Simaranjit Singh eyes Test debut

The latest sensation in Ireland cricket has an Indian connection to it. Simaranjit Singh, who hails from Punjab, had made it to the Ireland national team, after a consistent show in the domestic competition. Known by the name of ‘Simi’ in Ireland, has made his international debut against New Zealand earlier this year.

The promising cricketer is in the Irish squad for the one-off ODI between Ireland and West Indies, which is to be played on September 13. Ireland has made quick progress in the international set up, and has been granted Test status by the ICC on June 22, this year. Therefore, Simaranjit’s dream of playing Test match cricket can very well become a reality.

Debut Test for Ireland soon

“Although, I didn’t play international cricket for India, hopefully, I’ll play my first Test for Ireland soon,“ Simi told TOI, from Dublin. Simaranjit has sweated a lot during his initial days, taking wickets, scoring runs in bulks, but he was overlooked by the selectors while picking the squad for the Punjab U-19s. He has played for Punjab U-14 and U-17 teams, and in the state inter-district  U-17 competition, scoring 725 runs in the year 2004. But even after piling the scores, Simi failed to make the cut.

Frustrating times

“It was a frustrating time for me and my family. My dream to play for India was nipped in the bud,“ the all-rounder recollected. The residency rules in Ireland is not an easy one, and therefore the cricketer had to find his way through all sorts of challenges. But an ECB Level 2 coaching degree and he being a certified personal trainer helped him eventually. The 30-year old received his Irish citizenship in May this year.

It will be a historic event once Ireland takes the field in white for the first time in international cricket, and the talented cricketer will look to be a part of the history too.