Top 30 Under 30: IPL star Mandeep Singh targets regular berth in Team India

In the run-up to its sixth edition of Top 30 under 30, Hindustan Times profiles 30 young achievers who will be felicitated at its flagship event on May 26. They are from fields ranging from the forces, academics and art to entertainment and sports. Among them is cricketer Mandeep Singh

The Bat Man: Mandeep Singh, 25, Jalandhar

Mandeep first grabbed headlines when he played for India U-19 team in the Youth World Cup in 2010. (Pardeep Pandit/HT)

A talented and aggressive batsman from Jalandhar, Mandeep grabbed headlines when he played for India U-19 team in the Youth World Cup in 2010. Captain of the Punjab Ranji Trophy team, he made his T20 debut for India against Zimbabwe in 2016. A regular in the Royal Challengers Bangalore team, Mandeep is a dynamite of a batsman in the shortest format.

Secret sauce: Self-belief, hard work and dedication. “These are very essential traits when the chips are down and you are out of form,” declares Mandeep.

Inspiration: Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni

Mandeep at home in Jalandhar

Challenges faced by India: “Drug addiction is a big blot on Punjab. Unemployment and lack of non-cricket sports infrastructure are two other challenges that the government must tackle.”

The road ahead: “I want to be a regular in the Indian ODI and Test teams.”

As an agent of change: “I can inspire many young sportspersons by doing well for Punjab, RCB and India teams.”

By the way: Mandeep loves grooving to Punjabi music. Chris Gayle and AB DeVilliers love his bhangra moves.

To know about the other achievers click here