Under the light SAE lights, Jatinder Singh comes out and carries a burden that he never had before: the hope of the Oman’s side has entered an unmapped territory.
For a cricket born in Ludhiana, who moved to Oman as a teenager, this ASIA CUP is more than just another tournament-it is both a personal milestone and a historical jump for the Omani cricket. Once a boy who dreamed of facing India and Pakistan from a distance, Jatinder now stands as a captain, commissioned to lead a new appearance against the two largest forces in the world cricket.
The path to this moment was something other than smooth. A year ago, after the camp, the bitter gradient between the cricket album Oman and its players ripped, while 11 members of the T20 World Cup were suspended after central contractual disputes. Jatinder, the most prolific runner of the team, emerged from this turbulence, who decided to map the revival.
This is followed by Zeeshan Maqsood, Stalwart, who spent more than ten years with the formation of Oman’s rise of confusion. But unlike 2016, when Oman bowed in qualifications, this time the team will enter the main round of the Asia Cup as debutants – strike India, Pakistan and Sae in Group A. Their campaign begins September 12 in Dubai, with Pakistan as an opening test.
This is not just another series for Jatinder – it means the beginning of the new era and the chance to prove that Oman belongs to Kricte’s largest scene. After already performing in the two world cups of the T20 AS more than 1300 international runs in his name, he understands the weight of responsibility on his shoulders.
The Asian Cup tests Oman’s depth, its newcomers and its ability to withstand pressure. But above all, the Jatinder Singh-Capitan, a running shooter and now the face of the Omany revival of the cricket will try it.
In an exclusive interview with India, Jatinder opened on the Oman’s Asia Cup campaign, his interactions with Indian crickets and his first days in the game. Jatinder Singh will play a key role for Oman in Asia Cup. Courtesy: Jatinder Singh
Here are a few excerpts from the Jatinder Singh interview
As the debutants of the Asia Cup, what is your motto for the tournament?
For us, the motto is simple – play a fearless cricket and Oman is proud. We can be debutants, but we are here to compete with the heart, not only to participate. We want to show the cricket world that Oman belongs to this phase.
How difficult was it with the current crop of Omani crickets with very little experience?
It is always difficult when players are new at this level, but I consider it an opportunity. These boys bring raw energy and hunger. The experience comes with time, but on what matters now, it gives them confidence and clarity in their roles. I am proud of how quickly they adapt.
Have you ever dreamed of playing for India whenever in your childhood?
I never imagined to lead Oman. I started playing cricket simply because I fell in love with sports at the very early stage of the school. It comes from a family without sports facilities, it is really humiliating to play the international cricket and the captain of the national team. I am really grateful for this journey – it is something I can hardly express in words. Oman gave me the platform to live my dream of an international cricket, and today I wear this jersey with immense pride.
What was your experience of rubbing your shoulders with Abhishek Shamou in the emerging Asia Cup 2024?
It was a fantastic experience. Abhishek is a talented cricket. Sharing fields with players like him helps us learn and measure against the best. This is the beauty of such tournaments. Jatinder Singh with Indian cricket Abhishek Sharma. Courtesy: Jatinder Singh Instagram
Who are crickets you have adored since childhood and currently?
As a child, I always looked at Sachin Tendulkar for his discipline and consistency. Later, Virt Kohli became a huge inspiration for me with his standards of passion and fitness. Even today, watching motivates him to push harder.
Do you remember from Punjab, remember some experience with interaction or playing along with the Indian cricket?
I never played cricket back in Pandjab – my journey started here in Oman, without any coach or academy. I started on the cement goals, then I moved to Astro Turf and finally played on the lawn since 2011. These first days have taught me discipline, patience and how to make the most of limited resources. That shaped me into the cricket that I am today – someone who fights for every run and never has opportunities for granted. Jatinder Singh played in 2 editions of the T20 World Cup. Courtesy: Jatinder Singh Instagram
Muhammad Imran has recently become a viral imitation of Shoaib Akhtar. What is your view of taking in your short career?
Imran is a living figure, it has a raw pace and energy that excites everyone. His action is reminiscent of Shaaib Akhtar and those yorks that mix, can concern any dough. But he has a serious talent behind it. If you want to pick up the goals at this level, so soon in his career speaks volumes. If he works hard, Oman cricket will benefit a lot from his skills.
What are your goals to revive cricket in the country due to the difficult times of cricket Oman?
The Omany cricket has always demonstrated resistance. My goal is to ensure that we create a strong path for youth – from citizens to the National Party. We have to build a culture where cricket is considered a career, not only as a hobby, and the involvement of professional entities such as Sportcell, Player Management Agency helps to strengthen this message. I believe that we can revive and strengthen the game in Oman, focus on fitness, professionalism and exhibition against large teams.
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Published:
Sabyasachi Chowdhury
Published on:
September 5, 2025
