India A's Mandeep Singh Turns Up For South Africa A
In India A's empathic win over South Africa A in Chennai, Mandeep Singh became a nation-wide trend on Twitter without even playing the match.
India A were chasing 245 to win in less than 40 overs to get a bonus point. With Mayank Agarwal and Unmukt Chand belting the visitors, South Africa A were running out of options. To add to the misery, Quinton de Kock hobbled off the field due to an injury. (SCORECARD)
And without any substitute available in their own ranks, the Proteas management found a replacement in India's Mandeep Singh. Swapping his blue jersey for a green one, the Royal Challengers Bangalore all-rounder was all smiles when he took the field for South Africa A. Luckily for him, he wasn't involved in a dismissal of any of his official teammates.
Interestingly, 28 years ago another Indian cricketer was involved in a similar incident. During an exhibition game against Pakistan at Mumbai's Cricket Club of India stadium, Sachin Tendulkar fielded for the neighbours for almost 25 minutes. Team India won the match as Mohammad Azharuddin smashed 80 and no one noticed the almost 14 year old until two years later when he made his India debut.