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In a surprising move, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) made an unexpected inclusion in their lineup for the Indian Premier League (IPL) match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by handing an IPL debut to Swapnil Singh. The left-arm orthodox bowler, known for his dual abilities with both bat and ball, rose to the occasion magnificently, making significant contributions in both departments and secured crucial two points for his franchise with a victory by 35 runs.
Swapnil Singh shines with bat and ball in debut for RCB
Despite the pressure of debuting in such a high-stakes encounter, Swapnil showcased his versatility and composure, leaving a lasting impact on the game. Not only did he exhibit his batting prowess, scoring a vital 12 runs off just six deliveries, but he also proved his worth with the ball by dismissing the formidable South African duo of Aiden Markram and Heinrich Klaasen.
Swapnil’s timely breakthroughs with the ball played a pivotal role in RCB’s quest for victory, effectively dismantling SRH’s batting lineup and disrupting their momentum. His ability to rise to the occasion and deliver under pressure underscored his potential as a valuable asset for RCB in their campaign to clinch 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 commenced his professional cricket career by representing Baroda and made his first-class debut in 2006 at the remarkable age of 14 years and 355 days, just before turning 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 named among the 25 probable’s for India’s U19 World Cup campaign in Malaysia, led by Virat Kohli, although he narrowly missed making it to the final squad.
- IPL debut and List A emergence Despite joining the Mumbai Indians (MI) franchise for the inaugural IPL season in 2008, Swapnil did not get an opportunity to play a single game. However, he debuted in List A cricket for Baroda that same year.
- Off the field life : Swapnil’s interests extend beyond the cricket pitch; he finds joy in exploring new destinations, indulging his passion for travel. When not immersed in cricket, he cherishes moments with friends, fostering meaningful connections and creating lasting memories.
- Inconsistent progress and Syed Mushtaq Ali heroics: Swapnil’s progress over the following decade was somewhat inconsistent, marked by playing 76 domestic matches, with notable performances during the 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons. One of his standout moments was during the Syed Mushtaq Ali tournament, where he claimed impressive figures of 6 for 19, gaining recognition across the cricketing community.
- Kings XI stint and IPL milestone: In the 2016 IPL auction, Swapnil was bought by the then Kings XI Punjab (PBKS) for INR 10 lakhs. Despite limited opportunities, he made his mark, notably securing his maiden IPL wicket by dismissing the legendary MS Dhoni, who was then part of Rising Pune Super Giants (RPSG) in 2017.
- Ranji triumph and recognition: Returning to domestic cricket, Swapnil showcased his prowess during the 2017-2018 Ranji season, emerging as the leading run-scorer for Baroda with 565 runs in just 6 games at an impressive average of 62.78.His performances earned him a spot in the India Blue team for the Duleep Trophy in 2018, where he contributed with 76 runs, including a highest score of 69.
- IPL relocation: In 2021, Swapnil switched from Baroda to Uttarakhand. His consistent performances caught the attention of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), who signed him for the IPL 2023 season. Despite limited appearances, he showcased glimpses of his talent.
- Auction dismissal and RCB redemption: In the 2024 IPL auction, LSG released Swapnil. Nevertheless, RCB showed confidence in the 33-year-old domestic veteran, acquiring him for INR 20 lakhs. Swapnil repaid RCB’s faith with solid performances with both bat and ball, contributing to the team’s success.
