In a surprising move, the… Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have made an unexpected addition to their lineup for the Indian Premier League (IPL) Play against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by handing him an IPL debut Swapnil Singh. The left-arm orthodox bowler, known for his dual skills with both the bat and the ball, rose to the challenge brilliantly, making significant contributions in both areas and securing a crucial two points for his team with a win by 35 runs.
Swapnil Singh shines with bat and ball on his debut for RCB
Despite the pressure of making his debut in such a high-stakes encounter, Swapnil showcased his versatility and composure and left a lasting impression in the game. Not only did he showcase his batting prowess by scoring an important 12 runs in just six deliveries, but he also showed his prowess with the ball by eliminating the formidable South African duo Aiden Markram And Heinrich Klaasen.
Swapnil’s timely breakthroughs with the ball played a crucial role in RCB’s quest for victory as he dismantled SRH’s batting line-up and disrupted their momentum. His ability to rise to the occasion and deliver under pressure highlighted his potential as a valuable asset for RCB in the fight for the IPL title.
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Here are some lesser known facts about RCB’s all-rounder Swapnil Singh:
- Early beginnings: Swapnil was born in Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh in 1991. He began his professional cricket career representing Baroda and made his first-class debut in 2006 at the remarkable age of 14 years and 355 days, just before he turned fifteen.
- T20 recognition and U19 World Cup snub: Making his T20 debut for Baroda in the 2007 Inter State T20 tournament, Swapnil’s exceptional talent earned him recognition. He was even selected among the 25 possible candidates for India’s Under-19 World Cup in Malaysia, led by Virat Kohlialthough he narrowly missed out on making it to the final round.
- IPL debut and List A appearance Despite joining the Mumbai Indians (MI) Swapnil was franchise-nominated for the first IPL season in 2008 and did not get the opportunity to play a single match. However, he made his debut in List A cricket for Baroda in the same year.
- Life off the field: Swapnil’s interests extend beyond the cricket field; He enjoys exploring new travel destinations and pursuing his passion for travel. When he is not playing cricket, he cherishes moments with friends, maintains meaningful connections and creates lasting memories.
- Inconsistent Progress and Heroics of Syed Mushtaq Ali: Swapnil’s progress over the following decade was somewhat uneven, marked by participation in 76 domestic matches, with notable performances in the 2014–15 and 2015–16 seasons. One of his standout moments was during the Syed Mushtaq Ali tournament where he recorded impressive scores of 6 for 19, earning recognition across the cricketing community.
- Kings XI stint and IPL milestone: In the 2016 IPL auction, Swapnil was bought by then Kings XI Punjab (PBKS) for INR 10 Lakhs. Despite limited opportunities, he made a name for himself and notably secured his first IPL wicket by dismissing the legendary player MS Dhoniwhich was part of it at the time Rising Pune Super Giants (RPSG) in 2017.
- Ranji’s Triumph and Recognition: Swapnil returned to domestic cricket and showcased his prowess in the 2017-2018 Ranji season. He became the leading run-scorer for Baroda with 565 runs in just six games at an impressive average of 62.78. His performances earned him a place in the India Blue team for the Duleep trophy in 2018, where he contributed with 76 runs, including a highest score of 69.
- IPL move: In 2021, Swapnil shifted from Baroda to Uttarakhand. His consistent performances caught the attention of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), who signed him for the 2023 IPL season. Despite limited appearances, he showed glimpses of his talent.
- Auction rejection and RCB redemption: In the IPL 2024 auction, LSG has released Swapnil. However, RCB showed faith in the 33-year-old local veteran and acquired him for INR 20 Lakhs. Swapnil repaid RCB’s faith with solid performances with both bat and ball, contributing to the team’s success.