‘I got it earlier as well but couldn’t play’ – Prabhsimran Singh hopes to make debut against Zimbabwe

Wicketkeeper-batter Prabhsimran Singh has landed his first senior call-up to India’s T20I squad for the Zimbabwe series, which gets underway on July 23. The Punjab Kings opener has one objective in mind: to finally pull on the India jersey after a missed chance at the 2023 Asian Games. He spent time with his mentor Yuvraj Singh recently, sharing details of the conversation that kept him grounded and focused on what lies ahead.

The right-hander brings an unusual IPL pedigree to this call-up. He has cleared 500 runs across two separate league seasons while still uncapped at senior level, a distinction no other Indian has achieved. His selection comes on the back of strong outings during the IPL and his recent stint with India A. Opening slots in Indian cricket remain fiercely competitive, and he was named in the 15-member squad joining several other fresh faces from the domestic circuit.

“When you start playing cricket, there are two main objectives in your mind, and even in your parents’ minds, to represent the country and to play in the IPL. I am playing in the IPL, but now I’ve gotten this opportunity to represent the country. I got it earlier as well during the Asian Games, but unfortunately, I couldn’t play. Now, my only wish is that I return as a capped player this time around and, obviously, perform well there so that I get more opportunities,” Prabhsimran said on JioStar.

Prabhsimran Singh on competition and India A learnings

The contest for openers in India remains intense, with multiple batters vying for spots. Singh acknowledged this reality while recounting his time in India A, where he worked alongside fellow opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in a tri-series involving Sri Lanka A and Afghanistan A.

“The IPL is such a big platform where you rub shoulders with international players from all around the world, youngsters from across the country, established players representing India, and even legends who are playing alongside you. So, obviously, it is a bit tough. But if you look at it, it’s healthy competition. There is so much competition just for the opening spot in the Indian team, and the only thing that comes to mind is, ‘Just give me an opportunity, and if I get the chance, hopefully I’ll do well.’ Recently, we went to play the India A series against Sri Lanka and Afghanistan, and Vaibhav was there with me too. Watching him bat is so much fun, it brings a lot of joy. Since we were opening together, we got to spend more time together and discuss various things. It was a great experience,” Prabhsimran said.

Ricky Ponting’s role in Prabhsimran Singh’s rise

Singh also credited Ricky Ponting, his Punjab Kings head coach, as a pivotal influence. While their personalities differ, both operate from the same winning mentality, and Ponting has been instrumental in his growth as a cricketer. The Zimbabwe series begins Thursday, July 23, with Shreyas Iyer leading the Indian side.