Mandeep Singh : I’ll have to live with guilt of missing father’s funeral and son’s birth

Mandeep Singh was playing in the Indian Premier League when he heard about his father’s death but the strict Quarantine regulations meant he would’ve missed a major chunk of IPL if he had left the party soon.

He was playing the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy when his wife gave birth to their child but he had to miss that again because travelling to London would mean missing out on cricket. Life couldn’t have tested him more when he saw a valiant Mohammed Siraj walking back to the pavilion with a fifer after staying in the bubble following his father’s death.

“It has been quite a few months for me. I was in a very tight spot. My wife told me the next couple of years are crucial for my career, and cricket should be my priority. Never in my life, I had ever thought that I would have to take such strong decisions,” Mandeep told Times of India.

“I will have to live with the guilt of missing my father’s funeral and the birth of my son. I am not able to sleep properly. However, I am happy that my wife and son are in good health,” he said.

Mandeep awaiting BCCI confirmation

With the BCCI yet to clarify their plans for the upcoming domestic tournament, Mandeep is awaiting confirmation. Once the schedule is out, he can make a small trip to London to see his son and then return back in time to play the domestic tournament. As of now, he is content playing a crucial role for Punjab in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Knockouts.

“They can’t come to India for at least three months, and I will have to go. I am waiting for the BCCI’s announcement on Ranji Trophy and Vijay Hazare so that I can go and come back before the IPL. There are lots of uncertainties, and I don’t know what to do,” said Mandeep.