7 things you should know about Gurkeerat Mann
25-year-old all-rounder Gurkeerat Singh Mann has been called up to the Indian squad for the 2nd Test match against South Africa to be held at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore from November 14.
Mann was himself surprised when he got in the one-day international squad and now getting selected for the Test is like a double treat for the youngster.
But those who have been following domestic Indian cricket know Mann as the handy Punjab all-rounder, previously famous for his brilliant catch in the KXIP vs PWI match in IPL 2013.
Here are the seven things you should know about him:
1. Early start
Since his home was close to the PCA stadium in Mohali, as a child he was very fascinated with cricket and would often go to watch the players practice. Finally, at the tender age of nine, he decided to get himself enrolled at the stadium, and went on to represent Punjab in the Cooch Behar trophy and the Vinoo Mankad trophy. He has an average of 46.10 in 40 games including a century in List A cricket. He has been performing consistently in domestic tournaments such as Ranji Trophy and Challenger Trophy.
2. The catch that gave him an identity
Gurkeerat’s instant claim to fame was the super catch of Ross Taylor in Punjab’s match against Pune Warriors in the 2013 IPL edition, which also earned him the title of Gurkeerat “SuperMann”. He later said in an interview that it was the catch that gave him an identity. He stunned cricket audiences across the world with his gravity-defying catch.
3. All-rounder in the truest sense
Cricket fans are already aware of Mann’s batting prowess and lithe fielding. But few know that he’s also a wicket keeper. He kept wickets in school and also done wicket-keeping for KXIP.
However, he prefers bowling over keeping and has proven his mettle as an all-rounder in the last few series for India A.