"Playing against the Aussies was a learning experience": Tracing the journey of Gurkeerat Singh Mann

IPL 2013 - Pune Warriors vs Kings XI Punjab

Ross Taylor had nailed the slog sweep so well that it looked like a certain boundary. Out of nowhere, Gurkeerat Singh ran in, dived full stretch - going parallel to the ground - and pulled off a screamer of a catch. The catch won the award for the best if its kind in the 2013 IPL season.

“Fielding is all about approach. Our fielding coach at that time [Mike Young of Australia] had given us the confidence to tackle the ball no matter what happens. Even if you drop a catch, it is better to reach out rather than not try at all. I just did the same and we just had one thing in mind at the time - to attack the ball, luckily it stuck,” Gurkeerat said in an exclusive chat with Sportskeeda.

You can watch the video here.

Over the past few years, India’s fielding standards have rocketed skyward. The transformation from lazy, jogging outfielders to the “attacking”, athletic ones is a story worth digging into. Gurkeerat though is a natural athlete. One who revelled in all the sports during his childhood. However, when asked if he were to choose one sport next to cricket, he cited it would be football.

“I used to do athletics when in school. Used to play almost every game. But I have a thing for football and FIFA. I follow Liverpool in the Premier League. And now I have a liking for PSG and Barcelona. I really like Suarez [Luis Suarez],” the all-rounder added.

As a finisher, his opportunities have diminished in the Kings XI setup

While football was always a fantasy, the proximity of his house to the Mohali stadium made him tilt towards cricket. It isn't surprising given the huge fan base the game has in the country.

But the mindset of parents and lack of opportunities often peg back youngsters who get absorbed in the game and hope to make a career in it. Gurkeerat, on the other hand, was among the lucky few.

“I used to watch the players [in the Mohali stadium]. I told my parents that I wanted to play this game and they didn't say no to it,” he says.

But every crest has a story behind it and Gurkeerat's is one of struggling through junior cricket before making it big...really big. He narrates his story of going through the rough junior ages to the more prosperous times.

“Rising through the different levels, though, wasn't easy. At the junior level, there is always a struggle. Every cricketer has his own struggles. I went through the same passage. Sometimes you perform and don't get a chance and you easily get frustrated. My coach used to tell me that it doesn't matter even if you don't play the junior levels. Just concentrate on your technique and keep working hard.

"That's what I did and eventually things went well for me after a certain age. Till under-19 I had played very few matches for the state. I started from under-22, played a year and got a call from a Ranji Trophy team. That's how it all happened.”

IPL and the India call-up

It didn't take long for the all-rounder to make his entry into the IPL and later the Indian team. The India outing, though, lasted for one series [all ODIs] against Australia in Australia and three poor returns saw him dumped unceremoniously from the side. He wasn't looked upon again.

In the IPL, the influx of a large number of all-rounders and finishers in the Kings XI setup made consistent game time difficult. The likes of Glenn Maxwell, David Miller, George Bailey and Thisara Perera [all foreign middle-order players] reduced Gurkeerat's chances. Though he agrees that he would have ideally liked more games in the starting XI, he doesn't hope for others to perform poorly just for him to make an appearance.

“To represent your country is always special. That's what you always dream about when you start playing the game. One of the most special moments in my life was getting my debut cap from my idol, MS Dhoni. Best thing was that it was in Australia against them. You get to learn a lot when you play such teams. I understood my game a bit more, work on my flaws.”

Playing against the Aussies was a learning experience for the all-rounder

Though his opportunities were limited, the 27-year-old hopes to get back after some confidence-boosting performances in the Ranji Trophy. He made two hundreds and as many half-centuries in the four games he played in the season and a notable factor was the manner in which he stuck to his natural game and relied on a relaxed approach.

“I am a natural stroke player and even if I play a few of them in the longer formats, it is about backing yourself to pull it off,” the 27-year-old says.

“Getting back is all about performances. I could play within a year if certain tournaments go well. I am hoping for a good IPL also. I haven't been getting too many games and that has affected my chances too. Domestic seasons have been going great. I did well in the Ranji, captained the Board President XI vs Australia. It is all about performing at the right time. Selection is not in my hand, performance is,” he added.

Being an all-rounder helps Gurkeerat's cause. India are past the Yuvraj-Raina phase at the moment and although there are quite a few competitors out there, Gurkeerat's bowling abilities stand him in good stead.

Gurkeerat had been in fine form with the bat this Ranji season

“I had been working on my bowling at that time. It was going well. Bowling wasn't something the selectors or management specifically wanted me to focus on. I got my chances. I didn't grab them.

“I have been focussing on certain shots, my fitness and a bit of bowling. In the shorter formats the all-rounder definitely has an advantage. If one thing goes weak, you can always cover-up," Gurkeerat explained, hoping that his bowling will be an added boost.

The helping hands

In terms of support, he has plenty of them. Right from his parents, who backed him when he was an eight year old hoping to try his hand at the enticing game, to Indian Test opener, Murali Vijay, Gurkeerat has able encouragement.

“My parents have always supported me. My coach has also backed me right from the age of 8. He motivates me. Of late, Murali Vijay has been a huge influence. I share a good bond with him. He has been kind enough to help me with my problems, giving advise. He was in the King's XI setup too. We started having good conversations, specially on the mental aspect. He motivates me a lot, asks me to be positive and to believe in my ability.”

The talks with Vijay on the mental aspect of the game has possibly helped him overcome the low points in his career. Being dropped after a handful of games from the national side and getting very opportunities in the IPL have all been detrimental to his growth. For instance, he played two games last season in the IPL but never got to bat or bowl.

“Getting dismissed in Australia and not getting a chance since then was a low moment. But that gives me a lot of inspiration. It will always be in my mind. That keeps me motivated to perform better and to get back to the national side. I have been working hard. I have given the yo-yo test as well, at the NCA. I think I did 17 in the test.”