Newsfile: May 6

Mandeep eyes India cap: Mandeep Singh, who was India’s vice-captain during the 2010 Under-19 World Cup, has said he hopes his good showing for Kings XI Punjab in the IPL this year will win him an India cap. Mandeep, who had signed for Kolkata Knight Riders in 2010, has scored 284 runs in 11 matches this season for Kings XI. "As a cricketer everyone wants to represent the country. I have done it in the U-19 World Cup and now want to do the same for the senior team,” Mandeep said. “I am enjoying this season since I am scoring well and I want to maintain my consistency in the upcoming matches. I want to score as much as possible since performances in the IPL are noticed widely and can put me in the reckoning for the national team.”

Warriors penalised for over-rate: Pune Warriors have been fined for maintaining a slow over-rate during their seven-run defeat against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens. They were found to be one over behind at the end of Knight Riders’ innings. Since it was their second such offence this season, the Warriors captain Sourav Ganguly was fined $40,000 while his team-mates were fined $10,000 or 25% of their match fee, which ever is lesser. Another Warriors player, Steven Smith, was reprimanded by the match referee for showing dissent at an umpire’s decision. Smith was adjudged lbw to a ball that he inside edged on to his pads.

Shah Rukh praises Gambhir captaincy: Knight Riders co-owner Shah Rukh Khan has said that Gautam Gambhir, who has led Knight Riders to five wins out of six matches, is the finest captain he has ever seen. Knight Riders are currently second in the points table after Delhi Daredevils. “I have seen most of them from outside. I am a cricket follower. But leading from the front and the way he talks to the boys, I think he is the most awesome captain,” Khan said. “He is a gentleman -- a really genuine gentleman. I very seldom get impressed by leaders, but I am very impressed by Gautam Gambhir.”