Q&A with Malaysian Cricketer Pavandeep Singh – #BtimesQ&A
Pavandeep Singh is a Malaysian cricketer, He was in the 2014 ICC World Cricket League Division tournaments in Malaysia, He was the leading wicket-taker for Malaysia in the tournament, Here are the some interesting answers by Pavandeep Singh in Btimes Questions & Answers Interview.
Who you are actually, What is cricket for you?
I am Pavandeep Singh and I currently represent the Malaysian National Cricket team. I’m a left arm spinner and I open the bowling for Malaysia in both the T20I & 50 overs formats. I first got involved in the game at the age of 9 at my primary school, Sekolah Kebangsaan Bukit Bandaraya, Kuala Lumpur. As it was compulsory to play at least one sport as part of the extra curricular activity, and since my dad played a little bit of cricket during his school days, he suggested I should give it a try. When I first started, I had no clue about the game but decided to give it a try and joined the cricket programme at my school which was held every Monday from 2pm-3pm. My first ever cricket coach, Mr Munusamy, taught me the basics of the game and just like every beginner, I first started playing with a plastic bat and tennis ball. A year later, A gentleman from Sri Lanka, Mr Damith was brought in as replacement. He had a very different coaching style and emphasised more on making training sessions fun. He used to let us play games using alternative scenarios and this really got me involved during training sessions. I started developing a keen interest in the game and he then suggested that my brother, Virandeep, and I join the Royal Selangor Club to start playing with the hard ball and to train more regularly as the club conducted three sessions weekly. I was soon selected to represent the Kuala Lumpur U15 state team and with good enough performances, was then selected to represent Malaysia U16’s. There was no turning back since and I subsequently made my debut for the Malaysian National Team in 2013, at the age of 16.
One of your special childhood memories of playing cricket ?
In 2006, the DLF CUP was held here in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It was a Tri-series that was played between three top playing nations which were India, Australia & West Indies. As I was a part of the cricket team at school, I was given free tickets for almost every game which was held at Kinrara Oval. Prior to this tournament, I had only watched the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara, Ricky Ponting on TV. It was a great feeling being there at the ground watching them play live. My teammates and I also had the chance to meet some of our favourites players for autogprahs and pictures. None of this would have been possible if I didn’t start playing cricket at school. I still look back at some of the photos and autographs and will definitely cherish them forever.
Who is your role model in cricket and why?
Growing up, I was a big fan of the Indian cricket team. I made it a point to subscribe to the sports package on television every time India was playing. My favorite player was and still is MS Dhoni. His ability to hit the ball, especially that trademark helicopter shot, just made me a big big fan of his. I truly admire his leadership skills as well his ability to remain calm in any situation. He reads and understands the game and has the quality to bring the best out of his players. Amongst all his brilliant innings, his 91 runs of 79 balls in the 2011 World Cup final is my personal favorite. I wish to meet the great man one day…
Your Memorable spell (Bowling) ?
I’ve had a couple of decent outings with the ball throughout my short career so far. However, the one that sits right at the top would be my spell of 3 for 13 in 10 overs vs Hong Kong during the 2018 Asia Cup Qualifier. I was also awarded as the Man Of the Match for that game.
Your feeling when you were selected to represent Malaysia for the first time ?
I remember I was at an U19 camp when I got the news that I had been selected to represent the senior team for the first time. After representing Malaysia at the U16&U19 level, I was eagerly waiting for my opportunity to make my senior team debut. I didn’t expect to get the call up so soon but I was very happy when I heard that I was selected. I must thank our coach , Mr Bilal Asad, for having full faith in my abilities to perform at the senior level. It was also a very exciting time for me as I finally got the chance to work & train with some of the best players in the country. Just like any junior cricketer around the world, I also looked up to the players in the senior team and just being around them, sharing the same dressing room was indeed a special feeling. My first series with the senior team was the Stan Nagaiah trophy vs Singapore in November 2013. I’m glad Malaysia won that series and I was also able to contribute to the teams success.
What advice would you give to young cricketers ?
The best advice I can give is that always give your 100% and trust the process. We often think too much about the results and tend to forget each part of the process which is equally important to achieve our goals/ target. We cannot control our performances, we don’t know how many runs and wickets we will take in a match but one thing which is in our control is our preparation. For example, how many balls you hit during a session, how many balls you bowl during a session or how many catches you take. The more you do, the better you become. It’s as simple as that. That’s what I mean by focusing on the process. The result will follow. Take it step by step, be honest to yourself, and don’t forget to enjoy each challenge that comes along the way. In cricket, the bad days outweigh the good days, so remember to enjoy good days. Always learn from the tough days because the sun will rise again and you can always try again. Never give up and keep working towards achieving your dreams. Good luck.
