I want to up my fitness to the level of Virat Kohli: Mandeep Singh

Mandeep Singh is one of the five uncapped players in India’s squad for the tour of Zimbabwe. He had played in this year’s IPL for the Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). He said that playing alongside Virat Kohli had really helped him and he wants his fitness to the level of the Indian run-machine Virat Kohli.

“Virat told me how I can better my front foot play. I used to be with him so I learnt how to better my fielding and fitness. How Virat has improved his batting has really inspired me. I also want to up my fitness to the level of Virat’s because when I play T20 I too want to bring to the table such kind of fitness levels and batting skills,” said Mandeep, who joined RCB last year.

“Basu (Shankar) sir (Strength and Conditioning coach of RCB) used to tell me that I am the fittest player in the team after Virat,” he added.

The 24-year old had also gained some valuable tips from the South African veteran and the RCB teammate, AB de Villiers. “AB told me ways on how to keep my head still while playing,” Mandeep said.

Also Read: 11 Interesting facts about Mandeep Singh – A Stalwart in the making

When asked about the preparation for the upcoming tour, the right-handed batsman from Punjab said that he practiced a lot in the RCB camp for the last two months and also at the NCA in Bangalore. “When I was in the RCB camp I practiced for a long time in the nets. I have improved my fitness levels a lot in the last two months. I also practiced at the NCA in Bangalore with the bowling machine,” he said.

He has been performing well in the domestic circuit and had won the ‘Rising Star of IPL’ award earlier in 2012. Despite being known as a hard-hitter, he managed to feature in only one game this season. “Yes, I was feeling a bit disappointed. Even coach Daniel Vettori told me that we are feeling bad that you are not playing. But then it was not in my hand so it was no point thinking about it,” he concluded.