New Delhi. Prabhsimran Singh was in the gym when he got the news of his selection in India’s squad for the three T20 matches to be held in Zimbabwe later this month. When contacted, the 25-year-old player from Patiala could not express in words how much his selection in the national team meant to him. Recalling that moment, he said that he cut his gym session short and ran home to share his immense happiness with his family.
This brilliant opening batsman of Punjab Kings was expecting this special news as he had scored more than 500 runs in the last two IPL seasons. His recent performance for India A in Sri Lanka had also increased this expectation. Prabhasimran was part of India’s Asian Games in 2023 but he did not get a chance to play. If he gets a chance to play in Harare, the calm batsman knows he will have to capitalize on it as there is stiff competition in the shortest format.
just get the chance
Prabhasimran said that when what you have been working for all your life happens, you feel good. The Asian Games experience was good then but I didn’t get a chance to play, so I can’t talk about the nerves that you usually feel when making your debut for India.” “Now in my heart, if I am going there (Zimbabwe), I don’t want to come back (without playing).
dream come true
I have always thought that I have to represent the country, but I also have to be there. That’s the only thing on my mind. If I get a chance, I will do my best so that I do not get dropped from the team.” What has stood out for Prabhasimran in the last one year is his consistency. Scores of 20 and 30 now often turn into big scores, as evidenced by his score of more than six half-centuries in the latest IPL. He and Priyansh Arya have developed into one of the most destructive opening pairs in the IPL. For someone who played age-group cricket with Punjab teammates Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill, Prabhsimran need not look further than them for added inspiration.
Role in Yuvraj’s career
Abhishek and Prabhasimran have the same mentor, World Cup winning all-rounder Yuvraj Singh. Prabhasimran said, “I haven’t had any sessions with Yuvi Paaji after the IPL, but I called him after the India selection. It was a long phone call. He shared his experiences of playing at the highest level. He always tells me to be one step ahead of the bowler.
thanks ricky ponting
What about the contribution of PBKS head coach Ricky Ponting, another great cricketer in his life? “Both are different personalities but their mindset is the same. Ricky sir has contributed a lot to my success. He was the one who called me and told me about my retention (in 2024). He told me that he would make me a better player and he did that.” “When you see the results, you want to keep learning from them. I am grateful to both Yuvi paaji and Ricky sir.
Importance of Punjab Kings
said Prabhasimran, who acknowledges the immense role that the IPL and his franchise PBKS have played in his development. “This was my eighth season with the franchise and I am happy to have been selected for India with them.” Prabhsimran has not only become much more consistent in the high-risk T20 format, but he can also bat in different gears while relying on traditional strokeplay. He was asked what he has done to develop in the ever-changing T20 game.
The era of high risk batting
He said: “In today’s world, you have to play high-risk cricket. It used to be difficult to chase 160-170. Now even if a team makes 220-240, it does not feel safe. You have to play high-risk cricket and still be consistent. That’s what I focus on.” “Also, whenever I get free time, I don’t go out much. It is important to stay away from cricket but I can do that only for a day or two. I like to bat for long periods in training too.” “If I get a chance to play with 7-8 bowlers in the nets, I like to bowl at least 10 overs to each of them. If you want to remain relevant, you have to add something new every year.
