'Mandeep is one for future'

Kings XI Punjab skipper David Hussey on Tuesday praised young opener Mandeep Singh for his scintillating 45-ball 75 and described him as a future India player in all three formats of the game.

“I thought our batters set the tone, Mandeep is going from strength to strength, I think he’s a future players in all three forms for India,” said Hussey after Punjab notched up a comfortable 25-run win over Deccan here.

While Mandeep helped Punjab to post a challenging 170 for five, it was Hussey who turned game changer when he dismissed set batsmen Daniel Harris (30) and Cameron White in a space of four balls in his only over.

“We have two better spinners than me in the team, so more than happy with that. We haven’t played too well at home, but we hope to win the reverse fixture,” he said.
Hussey also said the side is gaining even though they are faced with a daunting task of winning all their remaining league matches to make the playoffs.

“Of course, we are confident. (We) would not be in the competition if we are not confident of making it to the finals. Every team starts they will make it to the top four. Our job is to win the next four to qualify for the finals,” Hussey told reporters late last night here.

“If Mandeep (Singh) keeps playing well and (Parvinder) Awana keeps playing well  and others, we will have the chance,” he added.

Chasing a stiff 171, Deccan were restricted to 145 for eight but skipper Kumar Sangakkara blamed his bowlers for not bowling in the right areas in the first four overs and allowing Punjab to post a big total.