For Mandeep Singh this is the break that he had been itching to get. The Punjab batsman is on a roll since last year's Ranji Trophy. Later he came good for Kings XI Punjab in the IPL-5 finishing as the 10th highest scorer in the league.
On Friday, when he was named in the India A squad for the tour to New Zealand, Mandeep was more relieved than surprised. The Jalandhar lad said: "Yes, it is a big news but I was kind of expecting it." The 21-year-old, who emerged as the mainstay of Punjab batting, said he has been preparing for this moment for the past three months.
"Ever since IPL got over, I have been focusing on preparing for the next season. I feel the next year is very crucial for my career. I think this opportunity is even bigger than IPL as I am getting a chance to represent my country," he said.
Mandeep also said he is aware about Kiwi pitches assisting pacers and, thus, concentrating on preparations: "The conditions are totally different from India. I have been preparing myself by playing a lot of swing bowling as well as practicing on cemented wickets with wet rubber balls to get comfortable with the bounce."
Adding further, the middle-order batsman said: "I know there will be a little more tweaking required here and there once we land in New Zealand. But I think I will be prepared and I am determined not let go of the opportunity."
{{/usCountry}}Adding further, the middle-order batsman said: "I know there will be a little more tweaking required here and there once we land in New Zealand. But I think I will be prepared and I am determined not let go of the opportunity."
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