4 Punjab players in ICC World Cup 20-20 probables
Chandigarh, Jul 21 : Mandeep Singh has made it to the ICC World Cup probables squad after his fabulous performance with the bat in the just concluded IPL-5 for Kings-XI Punjab where he was named up and coming player of the tournament.
He has joined his illustrious colleagues Harbhajan Singh, Yuvraj Singh and Rahul Sharma.
Punjab's Harmanpreet Kaur who was India's vice captain in the just concluded England Tour has also been named in the ICC Women's Twenty-20 World Cup squad.
Earlier three under-19 boys from Punjab Manan Vohra, Sandeep Sharma and Kamal Passi have been selected to represent India in the Under-19 World Cup to be played in Australia next month, according to Punjab Cricket Association spokesperson Sushil Kapoor.
Meanwhile, a one-week off season camp for senior players got underway at PCA Cricket Stadium Mohali from July 15 under the supervision of Vikram Rathore, cricket manager of Punjab Ranji team. 36 players from various districts have been shortlisted for this off season senior camp focusing on the physical fitness of the players.
Vikram Rathore is being helped by Harvinder Singh bowling coach, Sandeep Sawal, fielding coach, Sandeep Singh and T D Singh as trainers.
PCA secretary M P Pandove advised the coaches and the trainers to ensure that unlike last year Punjab should not fall short of bowlers on account of injuries sustained during the tournament.
He emphasised that this camp should be used for enhancing the staying power of the players and also increase their mental strength for the rigorous four-day games where the bowlers have to bowl for longer spells of even 20-25 overs per day.
With this end in view 12 fast bowlers and seven spinners have been drafted for this off season camp so that the state has a full complement of bowlers available for the upcoming domestic season. The cricket manager is making all efforts to achieve the fitness standards through proper physical training and also through regular interface sessions of individual players while analysing their mistakes through individual videos.