Virat Kohli is blessed with superpowers: Jatinder Singh [Exclusive Interview]

Oman captain and vastly experienced cricketer Jatinder Singh was kind enough to take out some precious time for his interview with CricTracker over a fun, raw, and a candid conversation. The attacking batter has aspirations of beating teams like India and Pakistan, as Oman are placed in the same group for the impending Asia Cup 2025.

Jatinder also wishes to go on a coffee date with legendary India batter Virat Kohli, and be able to read his mind and what makes the Delhi-born among the most successful cricketers of this generation. His visionary self further believes that Oman may get to host a marquee ICC tournament in the near future.

Here’s how the interview went:

Jatinder Singh CricTracker Exclusive Interview — Excerpts

What’s the most challenging decision you’ve had to make as a captain?

It was during the game against the Netherlands last year. We ended up scoring 155 runs in the first innings. Our main bowlers were going for runs. I was stuck in a tough situation where I had to select an experienced bowler or a young player who hardly bowls to defend the target. I took a gamble there, and we went on to win the game by one run.

Do you see a future where Oman hosts a major ICC tournament?

Absolutely, I can see that. We’ve already proven that by co-hosting the T20 World Cup in 2021. There is good infrastructure, passion, and the capability to deliver world-class events. The cricket culture is growing rapidly here. With the continued support from the ICC and local authorities, Oman is definitely on the map for future tournaments.

One bowler you’ve always enjoyed facing? Why?

I love facing one bowler, he is Sandeep Lamichhane from Nepal. He is a top-quality spinner with tricky variations. You can’t take him lightly; he keeps us always on our toes. A good bowler to face and test our skills.

Which team do you most enjoy competing against?

I really enjoy competing against the UAE and Nepal. There is always a healthy rivalry between us, and also a lot of mutual respect. These matches are always high intensity as they go to the last ball.

If you had the chance to captain any IPL or franchise team, who would it be and why?

If I have the chance to captain an IPL team, it would be the Rajasthan Royals because they have a strong culture of backing young talent and giving opportunities to young players, which resonates with me. That type of environment would be crucial for a player to polish his skills.

Which Indian bowler would you like to target in the Asia Cup 2025?

As a batter, you always look forward to the opportunity to test your skills against the Best. Jasprit Bumrah is a world-class bowler. Facing him would be a huge challenge. Also, I would like to take on Mohammed Siraj as he brings in a lot of energy. From Pakistan, I would like to face Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf and test my skills.

Your comments on facing Pakistan and India in the Asia Cup 2025?

Facing India and Pakistan in the Asia Cup is a huge opportunity and an exciting challenge for us. These are world-class sides with incredible talent and history. As a player, you live for such moments to test your skills, learn, and prove that associate nations like Oman can compete at that level.

Anything you would like to add?

For us, playing the Asia Cup is like a World Cup, as we’re an associate nation and we hardly get to play against full members, thanks to the Asian Cricket Council for giving more opportunities to teams like us to participate in the Asia Cup. It’s an opportunity for us to showcase where we stand.

This or That? — Rapidfire Round

Win against Pakistan or India – which would mean more?

They’re full members, and winning against both of them is very big for us.

If you could have a coffee with any cricketer (past or present), who would it be and why?

Virat Kohli, I want to know how much he brings in a lot of energy every time he steps onto the field. I don’t think any human can do that. I feel he is blessed with a superpower. He is always there to take the opposition down. He always keeps all his players on their toes; you can’t relax.

One cricket rule you’d love to change?

I think super subs or impact should be introduced in international cricket to make things more interesting.

Which team do you secretly enjoy beating the most?

UAE and Nepal. But in the Asia Cup, it would be India.

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