‘That’s it, it’s over. I will end my career…’: RCB star cries, says he wanted to retire before this IPL. When RCB spin-bowling all-rounder Swapnil Singh failed to sell in the first round of the IPL 2024 auctions, he contemplated quitting cricket.
When MS Dhoni was likely having the time of his life in 2016, Swapnil Singh took his first IPL wicket. After a breakout season with Baroda at the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he signed his maiden IPL contract with the Kings XI Punjab (now known as the Punjab Kings). It’s an ideal start, isn’t it? Yes, but it quickly faded. In the IPL, his career never really took off. Before becoming lost in the bush, he warmed the Mumbai Indians benches.
In the IPL 2023, he was once again selected by the Lucknow Super Giants, although he only got to play in two matches, losing both of them. Following his release from the LSG at the conclusion of the previous season, Swapnil disclosed that he had considered retiring. But when Royal Challengers Bengaluru purchased him at the auction prior to the 17th edition, everything was different. According to Swapnil, he and his family were experiencing an emotional moment.
“I had a game in Dharamsala that day and was travelling there for it.” After I landed, it was about 7-8 p.m. By then, nothing had happened, and the final rounds were underway. Initially, I believed that was it when I missed out. To be honest, I thought it was finished,” Swapnil remarked.
“I did not want to play for the rest of my life, so I felt I would play out the current (domestic) season and, if necessary, finish my career after playing the next season. In life, there are other things to excel at. “I was really let down,” Swapnil expressed to RCB Bold Diaries.
The all-rounder who can spin and bowl has never had the same quality of life. Since making his RCB debut in Hyderabad last month, he has participated in all six of their incredible victories in a row.
“We broke down as soon as my family called,” since nobody else can relate to how emotionally taxing the road has been, “said the seasoned cricket player, who made his senior domestic debut in 2006 as a teenager and had slept in the same room as Virat Kohli while they were in the same age group.
Credits go to Swapnil for RCB head coach Andy Flower.
In as many games, Swapnil has claimed six wickets at an economy rate of 8.8. He gave RCB head coach Andy Flower credit for believing in him during the time leading up to the auction. After Swapnil’s earlier net bowling demonstration, Flower was asked to attend an RCB training camp by the coach.
Prior to selecting me for the auction, RCB arranged a trial-in-camp. I told Andy, sir, everything about my (domestic) season in our conversation. Please give me one chance, I said to him. This could be my last opportunity. Simply put your trust in me. He said he believed in me. For the camp, he called me,” Swapnil remarked.
Swapnil was mentally ready to wait for his moment to play when he walked into the RCB dressing room because he knew he would ultimately get the chance.
“I never went onto the pitch with the intention of not playing. It wasn’t just a practice session—my first practice session was also my first match. If I was going to play even one game, I knew I would have to hit the ball exactly from the start. Nets was therefore my match, said Swapnil.
And ready to contribute with both bat and ball, Swapnil seized the chance when it presented itself. “I would inform my brother that I have only taken one wicket and have not hit a four or a six in the IPL.” I therefore truly want to score a four and a six.
As it happened, Swapnil had an immediate effect during his RCB debut. In his unbeaten 12 off 6, he took two wickets and smashed a number of sixes and fours. “I was aware that our captain, Faf (du Plessis), would give me an over to bowl if I got the opportunity to play. In my opening over, I bowled seven balls instead of six. I had no idea that I would bowl a zero. God’s favour is evident in the fact that I took a wicket with the seventh delivery.”
