• Sportzyverse
• IPL 2024
• 05/20/2024
• 0 Comments

Swapnil Singh has emerged as a crucial player in Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) impressive journey to the IPL 2024 playoffs. The spin-bowling all-rounder, who debuted for RCB last month in Hyderabad, has played a key role in their six consecutive victories. His story is one of redemption and perseverance, highlighting how talent can flourish when given the right opportunity.

Near Retirement Before RCB’s Call

In an emotional interview on RCB Bold Diaries after their playoff-clinching match at Chinnaswamy Stadium, Swapnil shared his journey. Before being picked up by RCB, Swapnil was on the brink of retirement, disheartened by repeated setbacks in his cricket career.

“The day of the IPL auction I was traveling to Dharamsala for a game. It was around 7-8 pm after I landed. Nothing had happened by then and the last rounds were on. When I missed out at first, I thought that’s it. Frankly, I thought it was all over,” Swapnil recalled.

He had nearly resigned himself to retiring after finishing the ongoing domestic season. “I thought I would play out the ongoing season, and if needed, I would end my career after playing the next season because I did not want to keep playing all my life,” said Swapnil, who debuted in senior domestic cricket back in 2006.

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An Emotional Turning Point

However, the tide turned when RCB raised the paddle for Swapnil in the auction. Overcome with emotion, he and his family broke down in tears. “As soon as my family called, we broke down. Because no one else understands how emotional the journey has been.”

Swapnil credited RCB head coach Andy Flower for believing in him. Impressing Flower as a net bowler led to an invitation to RCB’s training camp. “Before RCB picked me in the auction, they had organized a trial-cum-camp. I spoke to Andy sir and told him all about how my season had gone. I told him, ‘Just give me one chance. This might be my last chance. Just have faith in me.’ He told he had faith in me. He called me for the camp,” Swapnil said.

Upon entering the RCB dressing room, Swapnil was mentally prepared and confident that his chance to play would come. “I never entered the ground thinking that I am not playing. My first practice session was the first match for me, it was not just a practice session. I knew that I would have to be on target from ball one if I had to play even one game. So, nets was my match,” he explained.

Swapnil seized his opportunity, delivering impactful performances with both bat and ball. “I would tell my brother that I have neither scored a four nor a six in the IPL, and I have taken only one wicket. So I really want to hit a four and a six.”