Mandeep Singh Parts Ways with Tripura After One Season Ahead of 2025-26 Domestic Campaign

Domestic cricket veteran Mandeep Singh has decided to part ways with Tripura ahead of the 2025-26 season, bringing an end to his one-year stint with the northeastern team. Mandeep, who captained Tripura across all formats during the 2024-25 domestic season, played a total of six Ranji Trophy matches, six Vijay Hazare Trophy games, and seven Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy fixtures. Despite Tripura not progressing beyond the group stages in any of these tournaments, Mandeep’s individual performances stood out, highlighting his experience and consistency as a top-order batter.

In the Ranji Trophy, Mandeep showcased his class with a commanding unbeaten 124 and registered five half-centuries, maintaining a remarkable record of reaching fifty in every game he played. His form carried over into the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he recorded three fifties, including a top score of 94 against Bengal, demonstrating his ability to anchor innings and play under pressure. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, India’s premier domestic 20-over competition, he added two more half-centuries, further underlining his versatility across formats and his capacity to perform in high-pressure situations. These performances reflected his dedication and the wealth of experience he brings to any side he plays for.

Upon announcing his departure, Mandeep Singh expressed his gratitude to Tripura Cricket Association on social media. “Thanks to Tripura CA for letting me play last season. I had a great time and made wonderful memories on and off the field. I wish the team all the best for the next season and am excited for the next chapter in my career,” he wrote on Instagram, showing his respect for the team and the memories he created during his tenure. His message resonated with fans and teammates, who appreciated his professionalism and contributions throughout the season.

Mandeep joined Tripura in 2024 after spending 15 years with Punjab, where he made a significant mark in domestic cricket. During his long association with Punjab, he achieved one of the highlights of his career by captaining the side to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title in 2023-24, ending the team’s 30-year title drought in the tournament. This victory cemented his reputation as a leader and a consistent performer, capable of guiding his team to success while also delivering outstanding individual contributions. With his departure from Tripura, cricket enthusiasts are now eager to see which team he will represent in the 2025-26 season, as his next destination has not yet been confirmed.

In related news, Indian batter Hanuma Vihari has made a move from Andhra to Tripura for the upcoming domestic season. The Andhra Cricket Association granted the 31-year-old a No-Objection Certificate (NOC), clearing his transfer. Vihari, who has represented India in 16 Test matches and played 131 First-Class games, adds significant experience and depth to Tripura’s squad. However, as of now, it has not been confirmed whether he will take on the captaincy role for the team in the upcoming season. His inclusion is expected to strengthen Tripura’s lineup and provide guidance to the younger players in the squad.

Tripura, who will compete in the Elite division in both red-ball and white-ball formats in the 2025-26 season, will kick off their campaign with a Ranji Trophy match against Services on October 15. The team will be looking to build on the experience of last season while integrating new talent like Vihari into their ranks. Mandeep Singh’s departure marks the end of a chapter, but with the arrival of seasoned players and a mix of emerging talent, Tripura aims to be more competitive in the upcoming domestic season. Fans and followers of Indian domestic cricket will be closely watching both Mandeep Singh’s next move and Tripura’s performance as the new season unfolds, making the 2025-26 domestic season an exciting one for all stakeholders.