Tajinder Singh Dhillon: Kingsmen’s Shining Star Tajinder Singh Dhillon: Kingsmen’s Shining Star
Tajinder Singh Dhillon: Kingsmen’s Shining Star

October 11, 2024

Tajinder Singh Dhillon: Kingsmen’s Shining Star

“You can hit a six off a spinner on your first ball half asleep at 4 am!” remark India legend and then Kings XI Punjab head coach, Anil Kumble, was impressed by Tajinder Singh Dhillon’s powerful batting, especially during an open net session in the 2020 IPL. Tajinder dominated bowlers like Ravi Bishnoi and Mujeeb Ur Rehman. Despite this standout performance, he remained on the sidelines for the entire season, marking his second consecutive year without playing in the IPL, following his debut season with Mumbai Indians in 2018.

Four years on, Tajinder is still toying away with the spinners for the Chicago Kingsmen in Minor League Cricket in America, away from the glam lights of the IPL. “I don’t know why Kumble said that! I am equally good against the fast bowlers” Tajinder chuckles as he responds, blending humor with sincerity. His rise to fame in the Indian domestic circuit was no joke—back in 2018, he made headlines by taking apart Test fast bowler Pankaj Singh, smashing 52 runs off just 10 deliveries. That explosive performance remains a testament to his ability to dominate high-level bowling attacks.

Tajinder Singh Dhillon made a strong impact in the 2024 Minor League season, scoring 395 runs in just 9 innings with a strike rate of 146 while batting at number 4 or 5. This season has become his breakthrough moment in the US after retiring from BCCI in 2023. When asked if he felt the same mindset that helped him dismantle top bowling attacks in India, Tajinder responded with a wry smile, hinting at his confidence and form.

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Tajinder’s Growth: From One-Off Heroics to Consistent Match-Winner

 “Slightly more mature! And more consistent now. That innings was way back when I had just started out. I played that sort of an innings once in a tournament but now I strive to play 3 match winning innings in a tournament ” Tajinder adds.

Tajinder Singh Dhillon’s consistency and maturity were on full display throughout the season for the Kingsmen, especially during critical moments. His counterattacking style often rescued the team from tough situations, with none more memorable than in the final. Facing a daunting target of 173, the Kingsmen were struggling at 5 for 98, but Tajinder’s composed 42* off 25 balls, along with Hamad Azam’s explosive batting, led them to victory in the 19th over.

As a key player for the champion Kingsmen, Tajinder has successfully revived his career in the US after a difficult start. In 2023, he was underutilized, batting low in the order for the San Francisco Unicorns and facing just 21 deliveries all season. The following year, he played only one game without getting a chance to bat, as the management favored young Sanjay Krishnamurthy. However, Tajinder, who has always found ways to overcome setbacks, persisted. Despite being an outlier—having missed age-group cricket in India and growing up overlooked by the UPCA—he eventually caught the attention of IPL franchises after his standout performances in local cricket. Once again, Tajinder was ready to bounce back when his career hit another roadblock.

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Tajinder’s Quest to Fill the Middle-Order Vacuum: A Balanced Approach to Power and Precision

“I didn’t get a proper chance in the major league in the previous edition and played at 7 or 8 due to the presence of senior international pros. This year as well I couldn’t get a chance to showcase my skill. But I have generally observed in the MLC that the lack of consistent runs in the middle order has been a nagging issue. My motivation was to emerge as an alternate choice through my performances in the Minor League. I think I play the spinners well and can finish strong against the pacers in the end. So i took up the challenge to fill what I see as a big vacuum in the country”

Batting at number 4 has unlocked a new level of Tajinder’s game, something the overseas coaches at the San Francisco Unicorns may want to take note of. His adaptability to different surfaces and match situations highlights his dynamic approach as a batter. The Kingsmen relied heavily on him in key moments, like when he smashed an 80 off 54 balls on a flat pitch against the Baltimore Royals. On a tougher day, he showcased his versatility by crafting a brilliant 59 off 41 balls in a Super 8 match, where the second-highest score was just 14. His ability to dominate both easy and challenging conditions speaks volumes about his skill and temperament.

“I like that people do talk about my power hitting but I have also worked on my ones and twos. Out of the total 395 runs this season, I have run 179 runs. I have worked long hours to perfect those deft touches and nudges that give me ones and twos. It just takes the pressure off you in pressure situations. To play long and maintain a S/R of 150, you just can’t rely on 4s and 6s. Running between the wickets is integral as well. Hopefully my performances in the minor league this year gets me in the reckoning for those key middle order spots next year(laughs)”

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author
Katarzyna Nowak

Katarzyna Nowak is a seasoned writer with over five years of experience in editorial content, news reporting, and cricket sportsbook app reviews. As an author for IPLWin365 (IPL365 News), she combines her deep understanding of the sports betting industry with a passion for cricket, delivering insightful and accurate content that keeps readers informed and engaged.