Rudra Pratap Singh, popularly known as RP Singh, is an Indian cricket player who gained recognition for his impressive left-arm fast bowling skills. Born on December 6, 1985, in Rae Bareli, Uttar Pradesh, Singh made his mark in the cricket world with his extraordinary performances on both national and international stages.
Singh’s cricket journey began when he caught the eye of selectors during the Under-19 World Cup in Bangladesh in 2004. With his exceptional performance, he took eight wickets at an average of 24.75, leaving a lasting impression on the cricket fraternity. This remarkable accomplishment paved the way for his future success.
In 2007, Singh became a vital part of the Indian cricket team that went on to win the ICC World Twenty20 tournament in South Africa. His phenomenal bowling skills contributed significantly to this historic victory, marking India’s first World Cup title since 1983. Just a year later, he again showcased his brilliance on the field by leading the bowling attack against Australia in Perth. His vital contributions in that match resulted in a memorable victory for India at a venue where the hosts had not lost to any team besides the formidable West Indies since 1985.
What set Singh apart from other bowlers was his ability to swing the new ball in both directions and reverse swing the old one. This made him a valuable asset to the Indian team. In 2011, his skills earned him a spot in the Test team for the match against England at The Oval. Although he couldn’t pick up any wickets in the game, his selection demonstrated the faith and trust the selectors had in his potential. Unfortunately, this would be his last Test match for India, with his international career tallying 14 Tests, 58 ODIs, and 10 T20Is.
When in form, Singh’s graceful run-up, quick pace, and deceiving inswingers proved to be a nightmare for right-handed batsmen. One of his standout performances was during his Test debut against Pakistan in Faisalabad in 2006, where he earned the Man-of-the-Match award for his relentless bowling on a challenging pitch. Even though he experienced a few ups and downs throughout his career, his consistent performances earned him a spot in the Deccan Chargers squad for the 2009 Indian Premier League (IPL). With 23 wickets, Singh played a pivotal role in leading his team to the IPL title that year.
While Singh hasn’t been part of the IPL since 2013, limited-overs cricket has continued to bring out the best in him. At the age of 30, he showcased his leadership skills during Gujarat’s successful campaign in the Vijay Hazare trophy in the 2015-16 season. Singh’s dedication to the sport is evident by his impressive performances throughout his career.
Off the field, Singh is known for his warm personality and humble nature. He has become an inspiration for many young cricket enthusiasts in India, motivating them to pursue their dreams and work hard towards achieving success in the sport.
Though he may not have achieved the heights he aspired to, Rudra Pratap Singh will always be remembered as a talented and determined cricket player who contributed significantly to Indian cricket. His legacy serves as a reminder that with perseverance and passion, dreams can become a reality.
