"I am grateful for everyone showing faith in me and I try to deliver the best I can" - Gurkeerat Mann Singh Interview

Gurkeerat Singh Mann is the young Punjabi munda who is known in the KXI team as an attacking batsman. His dynamic performance in the last IPL helped him get a place in the Punjab Ranji squad. This IPL he is playing an important role for KXIP. He was in an exclusive chat with Sportskeeda recently. Here are the excerpts:

Kings XI Punjab have had mixed results at the start of IPL 6. What is the atmosphere in the dressing room like?

Well, the atmosphere is great in the dressing room. All the players have gelled together very well and have lots of fun together. With the inclusion of couple of Punjab boys, the fun has doubled.

KXIP standings on the points table is not so good. Everyone must be pretty desperate to change that..

I think we have a right combination of players in our team. We are both attacking and defensive in the right proportion and this has helped us increase our efficiency this year. We did very well in our last match against the defending champions KKR and would like to continue with the same momentum. As a team, we try to give our best and not worry about the points table.

How is Preity Zinta as the owner of the team? Tell us how she keeps you boys motivated.

I think she is an amazing person and has created a very friendly atmosphere in the team. She just tells us to do our best and keep a positive mindset. Also, she tells us not to take any pressure and stay calm and relaxed.

KXIP has showed a lot of faith in youngsters like you, Manan Vohra and Mandeep Singh and given you opportunities to bat higher up the order. Does that put you under extra pressure?

Yes, I am grateful for everyone showing that faith in me and I try to deliver the best I can. It doesn’t add any pressure. On the contrary, it encourages me.

On what areas of your batting did you work on before IPL started?

I have been working on different aspects of my game. I am trying to add more of variety in all the departments of my game. Hopefully, all the hard work will pay off.

How different is the experience of Ranji Trophy from IPL? Which format do you like more?

IPL gives domestic players a lot of confidence and it feels great to share the dressing room with the greats of the game. Ranji trophy has its own significance as it is the ladder to the Indian team. As a cricketer, I aim to perform well in all the formats of the game.

How important has IPL been for you?

IPL has been very good for me. It has given me a lot of confidence and helped me perform well in the domestic circuit. The opportunity of playing with the cricket legends helps me learn a lot both on and off field.

How is Adam Gilchrist as a captain? What is the best advice he has given to you?

Gilli has been a great captain for us and motivates all the youngsters. He would give tips to everyone in the team about batting and controlling our nerves in the crucial matches. He has the perfect attitude required for an outstanding cricketer which makes him such a legend.

Do you think KXI is capable of grabbing the league title this year?

Yes, definitely. We have all the material to lift the cup. I always feel the game is not so much about big names but more about team combination. At the moment our confidence is pretty high and we are aiming to notch up a victory in the next game.

What is your ultimate dream in cricket?

I would like to represent India in all the formats.