UAE’s Simranjeet Singh to Face Shubman Gill in Asia Cup

Simranjeet Singh, the 35-year-old left-arm spinner for UAE, recalls bowling to a 12-year-old Shubman Gill at the Punjab Cricket Association nets in Mohali around 2011-12, though he's unsure if Gill remembers him, as he prepares for their Asia Cup showdown on Wednesday.

A crafty bowler with 15 wickets in 12 T20Is at an economy rate under six, Simranjeet honed his skills in Punjab's domestic circuit, including stints with Kings XI Punjab nets, but never broke through to represent India, leading him to seek opportunities abroad.

His life shifted during the COVID-19 pandemic when he moved to Dubai for coaching in 2021, eventually qualifying to play for the UAE after fulfilling residency requirements and impressing head coach Lalchand Rajput with his ability to flight the ball effectively, all while maintaining his Sikh faith without hindrance.

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Now, as the UAE faces India, Simranjeet acknowledges the irony of his family potentially supporting him over their homeland, viewing the match as a personal milestone and a chance to challenge elite players like Gill.

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