'No satisfaction unless I play for India': Gurjapneet Singh after four-wicket haul against Uttarakhand

For Gurjapneet Singh, a strong performance in domestic cricket is only another step towards a bigger goal. The Tamil Nadu left-arm pacer made an immediate impact against Uttarakhand in the Ranji Trophy, claiming four wickets on the opening day, but insisted that his job would remain unfinished until he earns a chance to represent India.

Playing just his 10th first-class match, Gurjapneet returned figures of 4/34 as Tamil Nadu bowled out Uttarakhand, last season’s semi-finalists, for 134 in their Elite Group D clash at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

“There is no satisfaction unless I play for India. That’s the main job, and that box is still empty. I have to tick that,” Gurjapneet told reporters at the end of the first day’s play.

The 26-year-old, who represents Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL and is part of the BCCI’s targeted pool of fast bowlers, missed Tamil Nadu’s previous match against Rajasthan in Jaipur while representing India A in the 50-over series against Australia in Puducherry.

Gurjapneet makes early inroads with the new ball

Operating with the new ball on a red-soil surface affected by heavy overnight rain, Gurjapneet struck early to put Uttarakhand on the back foot. He dismissed Aarav Mahajan before trapping Dega Nischal leg-before-wicket and removing Kunal Chandela during an incisive opening spell. He also troubled India Under-19 batter Lakshya Raichandani before returning to dismiss Uttarakhand’s top-scorer, Avneesh Sudha, for 54 and complete his four-wicket haul.

Gurjapneet attributed his success to reading the batters and adjusting his angles rather than sticking to a fixed plan.

“It is just instinct. I watch his feet movement and how he is reacting. One ball I bowl from over the stumps and later I come around the stumps. Maybe his conscious mind is ready to play from that angle, and the results were positive,” he explained.

Managing workload after India A stint

Having battled injuries in the past, Gurjapneet has also focused on preparing his body for the demands of red-ball cricket after switching from the shorter format.

“I was practising a lot with both balls. Coming into the Ranji Trophy, the workload is high and you have to keep maintaining that,” he said.

He added that managing his fitness and energy levels was crucial to bowling long spells without overexerting himself.

“I’m just trying to keep that energy the same because I know in red-ball cricket, it’s difficult to bowl long spells. I’m trying to keep my body ready for all spells and deliver that.”

Bowling to India’s stars boosts confidence

Gurjapneet’s experience as a net bowler with the Indian team has helped strengthen his belief in his abilities. Bowling to established international batters such as Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli, he said, gave him confidence that he could carry into domestic cricket.

He has also benefited from conversations with India bowling coach Morne Morkel, who advised him to focus on his lengths and keep varying his angles.

“He just said you have good skills and to keep focusing on your length and keep changing angles,” Gurjapneet recalled.