7 things you should know about Gurkeerat Mann

Mann has been picked for the ODI series against South Africa

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.

4. Match-winning performances for India A

His all-around efforts helped India A win 2 successive matches against Australia A – 87* runs in 85 balls, 2/42 (10 overs), and against Bangladesh A – 65 runs in 58 balls, 5/29 (7.3 overs).

He impressed fans and selectors alike, with his half-century and five-for that helped beat Bangladesh A by 96 runs in the first ODI on September 16.

5. “Self-made” cricketer

The swashbuckling all-rounder maintains his style both on and off the field. He has 4 tattoos - one on the side of his wrist which reads “Self Made”, one on his bicep – “Rise Above Hate”, another one at the back of his neck in Gurumukhi script which reads “Har Maidaan Fateh”, and the last one on the side of his abdomen - “Family First”.

6. Need for Speed

Mann idolises Indian skipper MS Dhoni, especially his match-winning batting efforts down the order, and also the way Mahi keeps wickets. But this is not all, like MSD, Mann too has a passion for bikes, and immensely loves his Royal Enfield Bullet.

7. Punjab’s Highest Scorer in Ranji Trophy 2014-15

Gurkeerat was Punjab's highest scorer in the last Ranji Trophy, with 677 runs from 14 innings at an average of 56.41. He had a decently run-filled 2013-14 season where he amassed 449 runs.