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All-rounder Ramandeep Singh received his debut cap from Hardik Pandya ahead of the third T20I against South Africa in Johannesburg.
India hand debut to Ramandeep Singh
Ramandeeep Singh on Wednesday became the 118th player to represent India in T20Is. The Punjab all-rounder received his debut cap from Hardik Pandya ahead of the third T20I against South Africa in Johannesburg.
Who’s Ramandeep Singh?
Ramandeep has come a long way since making a massive impression while playing for the Kolkata Knight Riders during their 2024 title-winning campaign in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The 27-year-old is much more than just a strong fielder. He’s a capable all-rounder, with 56 T20 matches under his belt, where he’s scored 480 runs at an impressive strike rate of 167.83 and taken 16 wickets. As a medium pacer, he maintains a solid economy rate of 7.76—remarkable for a part-time bowler.
In India A’s recent semi-final clash against Afghanistan A, he showcased his class as he smashed a valiant half-century. He scored 64 runs in 34 deliveries where he smashed eight boundaries and two sixes in his knock.
Ramandeep’s path to success was different from many others. He never played for India U-19 but worked hard for Punjab in the age-group circuits, earning a spot in the state team during his final year of U-23 cricket. Meanwhile, his cousins, Anmolpreet Singh and Prabhsimran Singh, both former India U-19 players, had become regulars for Punjab and secured lucrative IPL contracts.
“I never doubted my game. My father, who was a sportsman, always told me that everyone has their journey. Not everyone gets opportunities early, and if you do, you must grab them,” Ramandeep had told The Indian Express after receiving maiden India call-up.
After years of effort, Ramandeep finally got his big break when Mumbai Indians picked him up in the 2022 IPL mega auction. He was initially signed to replace Hardik Pandya’s role in the team but was eventually let go by the franchise. Later, he joined KKR, where Gautam Gambhir, the team’s mentor, promised him consistent playing time.
Gambhir’s support was a turning point for Ramandeep. While Salt and Narine often gave KKR a strong start in the powerplay, Ramandeep, batting at No. 7 or 8, became a reliable finisher. The 26-year-old from Punjab has scored 125 runs off just 62 balls in 13 matches, boasting a strike rate of 201.61.
- Location :
Centurion, South Africa