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Mandeep Singh Returns to Tripura for 2026-27 Domestic Season Mandeep Singh is set to make his return to Tripura cricket after being included in the squad for the opening three matches of the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy season. The experienced right-handed batter previously represented and captained Tripura during the 2024-25 domestic campaign after ending a 15-year association with Punjab. He subsequently missed the entire 2025-26 domestic season before agreeing to return to the north-eastern side. Mandeep's first three assignments with Tripura will come against Hyderabad, Assam and Karnataka. The matches are scheduled to take place in Secunderabad, Guwahati and Mysuru respectively. His previous season with Tripura was a productive one across formats. He appeared in six Ranji Trophy matches, six Vijay Hazare Trophy games and seven Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy fixtures. In red-ball cricket, he scored an unbeaten 124 and added five half-centuries, while he also registered three fifties in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and two more in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Mandeep's return adds considerable experience to a Tripura squad that also includes former India Test batter Hanuma Vihari and all-rounder Swapnil Singh. The 18-member squad will be led by seam-bowling all-rounder Mani Sankar Mura Singh, with Abhijit Sarkar appointed vice-captain. Tripura have also made significant changes to their coaching setup. Former domestic cricketer and umpire Satrajit Lahiri has been appointed as head coach as the state association looks to strengthen its support structure ahead of the new campaign. Mandeep's return is particularly interesting given his decision to leave Tripura after just one season. In August 2025, he announced that he would depart after making a strong contribution during the 2024-25 campaign. At the time, his next destination had not been confirmed. The batter's experience could prove valuable for Tripura as they attempt to improve their results in the Ranji Trophy. His ability to contribute in different formats and his previous leadership experience give the squad another senior presence alongside Vihari and Swapnil Singh. Tripura's Ranji Trophy campaign begins on October 11 against Hyderabad. They will then face Assam from October 18 before travelling to Mysuru for their meeting with Karnataka from October 26. For Mandeep, the new season represents an opportunity to resume his domestic career after a year away from competitive cricket. His return also gives Tripura an experienced top-order option as they prepare for a demanding Ranji Trophy campaign. With his previous success for the state and several experienced players now part of the squad, Tripura will hope the returning Mandeep can play an important role in their push for a stronger 2026-27 season.