Not many know about TP Singh, but former skipper Sourav Ganguly ensured the name became famous when he launched a scathing attack on cricket in India in a recent interview to a Bengali newspaper.
Ganguly later issued a denial, but his quotes became the talk of the town. Hindustan Times got in touch with TP Singh, who was the target of Ganguly's frustration in the interview.
Singh, who is now in Ahmedabad getting ready for the next leg of the ICL, took the comment with a pinch of salt and said, "I think I would have done better under Sourav Ganguly. After all, he has given a lot to cricket. During his days as skipper he even helped and promoted youngsters.
"So you can say, I would have benefited playing under him. As far as my being his replacement; that never happened and will never happen," said the southpaw who is currently playing for the Chandigarh Lions. "I wish he continues playing for the country as players of his calibre are hard to find."
Recalling the episode when he was called in as a replacement for Ganguly, Singh said, "That was in 2006 when England were on tour here. I was called in to be a part of the squad but in reality I was merely a standby practicing with the team. I did not play a single match in that six-match series."
{{/usCountry}}Recalling the episode when he was called in as a replacement for Ganguly, Singh said, "That was in 2006 when England were on tour here. I was called in to be a part of the squad but in reality I was merely a standby practicing with the team. I did not play a single match in that six-match series."
{{/usCountry}}The same year, playing for India Reds in the Challenger Trophy, Singh did try to press for his inclusion in the national squad, but it never happened. "My performance was okay, but not enough to impress the selectors," said the all-rounder who has played for Railways and Punjab in Ranji Trophy.
Then came the ICL and it was an opportunity for the 30-year-old to prolong his playing career. "I decided to join the ICL as I knew it was too late to press for an inclusion in the national squad and besides, I wanted to prolong my career."
Now that steps are on to get the league recognised, he hopes to make return to the Ranji fold. "It's the best thing that could happen for us cricketers for they can now be considered for inclusion in domestic matches.
"There are so many players who have a lot of cricket left in them. I am sure they would be looking to resume playing for their state teams," he added.