Ramandeep Singh Earns Maiden Call-up to Indian T20I Team
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) all-rounder Ramandeep Singh has received his first call-up to the Indian cricket team for the T20I series against South Africa next month. His impressive performances in domestic cricket, particularly in the Indian Premier League (IPL), have earned him this opportunity. As the Men in Blue prepare for a series of four T20 matches in the Rainbow Nation, Ramandeep is eager to make his mark on the international stage and inspire fear in the opposition with his powerful batting and all-round abilities.
Having had a stellar IPL 2024 season, Ramandeep played crucial roles for KKR, contributing significantly to their title-winning campaign under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer. His ability to deliver vital cameos in pressure situations has made him a standout performer, and he now aims to replicate this success with the national team. Inspired by his “role model,” Andre Russell, Ramandeep hopes to create a similar impact for India, stating, “When I go to the crease, there should be fear in the opponent that I’ll remove from the game.
Learning from Andre Russell
Ramandeep’s time at KKR allowed him to share the dressing room with Andre Russell, who has been an integral part of the franchise for several years. The Punjab all-rounder aspires to emulate Russell’s impactful style of play. Andre Russell is an inspiration to me as an all-around player. I want to have the same impact as him,” he mentioned, emphasizing his desire to instill fear in opposing teams.
To further develop his game, KKR mentor Gautam Gambhir organized 30-minute range-hitting sessions, with Russell mentoring Ramandeep during these practices. Ramandeep shared how Russell’s insights greatly assisted his growth during the IPL season. Russell made sure he was beside me during the 30-minute range-hitting sessions that Gautam Sir had scheduled. “His insights helped me during the IPL,” Ramandeep stated.
The Strength of Foundations
Ramandeep spoke on the significance of learning the fundamentals in addition to raw power when analyzing Russell’s batting style. Despite his immense power, he also adheres to the fundamentals. He explained that he has a full swing of the hands, a firm base, and a still head.
This focus on fundamentals has been key to Russell’s success in hitting sixes, debunking the myth that he simply muscles the ball out of the park. For Ramandeep, learning from Russell’s clarity and discipline during training sessions has been invaluable.
Gautam Gambhir’s faith in Ramandeep has also played a significant role in his development. The former KKR captain assured Ramandeep of his support throughout the tournament, encouraging him to play without fear. Gambhir said, “You are my favorite-analyzing cricketer in this team, and I will back you throughout the tournament,” as Ramandeep recalled with fondness. You should never play with fear.’”
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Setting High Expectations
In his journey to the national team, Ramandeep recognized the importance of living up to expectations and the responsibility that comes with it. I received a defined position outlining the expectations of the team. He said, “I told myself that I had to do something amazing to get everyone’s attention.” With the opportunity to represent India on the horizon, he is determined to showcase his skills and make a significant contribution to the team’s success in the upcoming T20I series.
