IPL 2024: How Swapnil Singh's talent found opportunity at RCB

Swapnil Singh (Pic: Instagram/magicalman_swapnil)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru's all-rounder Swapnil Singh has been playing a crucial role in the side's IPL 2024 campaign. The 33-year-old debuted for RCB last month in Hyderabad. He has been a part of the team through all their six consecutive victories in the IPL 2024.

Having almost given up on his cricket career until he was picked up by RCB in the auction, Swapnil's story is one of fulfilment and redemption when talent meets opportunity in an enabling environment.

Speaking on RCB Bold Diaries after RCB marched into the playoffs at Chinnaswamy Stadium, Swapnil revealed how he had contemplated retirement before RCB chose him at the auction in what was an emotional moment for him and his family.

"The day of the IPL auction I was travelling 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 said.

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"I thought I would play out the ongoing (domestic) 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. There are other things to do well in life as well. I was very disappointed," said the veteran cricketer, who had made his senior domestic debut back in 2006 as a teenager and also shared rooms with Virat Kohli at the age-group level.

And then, the turnaround came, as RCB raised the paddle for Swapnil at the auction. Swapnil could not control his tears. "As soon as my family called, we broke down. Because no one else understands how emotional the journey has been."

The all-rounder credited head coach Andy Flower for keeping faith in him during the IPL 2024 auctions. Previously, Swampnil's bowling impressed Flower in the nets. Later, Flower asked him to come for an RCB 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 (domestic) 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.

When he entered the side's dressing room, Swapnil knew that he would get an opportunity to play and was eager to contribute.

"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," Swapnil said.

"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."

When Swapnil debuted for RCB, he didn't disappoint. He smashed a six and a four during his 12-run knock which came in six deliveries. With the ball, he also picked up a couple of wickets.

"I knew that if I got a chance to play, our captain Faf (du Plessis) would definitely give me an over to bowl. And in my first over, I did not bowl six balls, I bowled seven. I did not know I would bowl a no-ball. And I got a wicket off the seventh ball, so it is god's blessings," Swapnil signed off.

(With ANI Inputs)