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If we ask you to name 10 best left-arm bowlers of India, what would come to your mind? Vinoo Mankad, Bishan Bedi, Zaheer Khan, Irfan Pathan and Ashish Nehra? Only these? Do you recall the name Rudra Pratap Singh? If you do, great! But if you don’t, don’t be disheartened. The rise of the man with the initials RPS was equally fast paced as his eventual downfall. No one knows what happened to one of the most effective bowlers in Indian contingent. May be his talents could have been nurtured more. Let’s check out the interesting RP Singh Biography.
Millions of cricket fans agree that left-arm fast bowling is a key weapon in the bowling arsenal. Left-arm fast bowler running smoothly up to the crease and delivering is a visual treat? Such was the case with RP Singh. His long run up and action was a joyous sight. Cricket fans can firmly say that he appeared to be a successor to Zaheer Khan. He was the man who starred in India’s 2007 World T20 triumph Without further add-ons, take a look at RP Singh Biography.
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RP Singh Biography
Early days
Rudra Pratap Singh was born on December 6, 1985 in Uttar Pradesh to Shiv Pratap Singh and Girija Devi. His father worked as an operator in the technical wing of the Indian Technical Institute. RP considers his father as his real inspiration. It was his father who encouraged him to play cricket and sent him to the reputed Guru Govind Singh Sports College.
Domestic circuit
RP is a product of the famous Lucknow Sports Hostel, which has already produced some players such as Suresh Raina and Mohammed Kaif. Rudra made his debut in cricket with an unforgettable presentation in the U-19 World Cup held in Bangladesh in 2004 by bagging 8 wickets at an average of 24.75. Continuing with his excellent form, he snaffled 34 wickets in 6 while playing for Uttar Pradesh in Ranji Trophy in the same year. He also represented his Ranji stint from Gujarat.
International cricket
RP Singh made his ODI debut in September 2005 against Zimbabwe and claimed two wickets. He won his first Man of the Match award against Sri Lanka when he bagged four wickets. RP Singh was forced to stay out for few ODIs after the first match of the West Indies in May 2006. He came back strong in 2007. He became the 10th Indian bowler to pick a five-for at Lord’s. RP Singh was a vital clog in Indian squad during ICC World T20 in 2007. He also made his Test debut against Pakistan in January 2006. In August 2011 RP Singh was called up to don the Blue jersey for the tour of England. But ultimately, he failed to impress.
Short stay in T20
RP Singh played major role for India winning the first ICC Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa, 2007. He bagged 12 wickets at an average of 12.67 and a mean economy rate of 6.33. Surprisingly, the left-arm bowler played three T20 International matches after that.
IPL stint
RP Singh was signed up by Deccan Chargers for the inaugural Indian Premier League (IPL), courtesy: his sublime display in ODIs in England. He proved as a vital clog for helping his side clinch the trophy in the second season of IPL which was hosted in South Africa. He bagged 23 wickets in 16 matches to become the highest wicket taker. RP Singh also won the purple cap. In 2011, he was signed by the Kochi franchise named Kochi Tuskers Kerala for $ 4,75,000. The left-arm bowler represented Mumbai Indians in the year 2012 before donning red jersey (Royal Challengers Bangalore) the next year. However, his graph was not rising. Meanwhile, he had a modest domestic season. RP Singh was unsold in 2014 IPL season.
Statistics
Bowler
| Format | M | Inn | B | Mdn | Runs | W | BB | Econ | Avg | SR | 4W | 5W |
| Test 2006–11 | 14 | 25 | 2534 | 59 | 1682 | 40 | 5/59 | 3.98 | 42.0 | 63.4 | 3 | 1 |
| ODI 2005–11 | 58 | 57 | 2565 | 31 | 2343 | 69 | 4/35 | 5.48 | 34.0 | 37.2 | 2 | 0 |
| T20I 2007–09 | 10 | 9 | 198 | 0 | 225 | 15 | 4/13 | 6.81 | 15.0 | 13.2 | 1 | 0 |
Batting
| Format | M | Inn | NO | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s |
| Test 2006–11 | 14 | 19 | 3 | 116 | 30 | 7.2 | 276 | 42.0 | – | – | 16 | 1 |
| ODI -- Advertisement -- 2005–11 | 58 | 20 | 10 | 104 | 23 | 10.4 | 242 | 43.0 | – | – | 5 | 1 |
| T20I 2007–09 | 10 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 2* | – | 3 | 100.0 | – | – | – | – |
RP Singh Biography: A Stock delivery specialist
Stock delivery is a break delivery bowled by a fast bowler with similar action to a spin bowler but at a faster pace. These words hold true for RP Singh. He was a stock delivery specialist. His stock delivery was the one that swung late into the right-hander and made them struggle. RP was also considered as death over specialist and his inch-perfect yorkers was a real treat to watch. On some day, RP would take less wickets but putting pressure on the batsman was his skill.
Post retirement
RP Singh announced his retirement in September 2018. Post his international stint, Rudra played at domestic level before saying adios to all. For the past few years, the 33-year-old has taken up TV commentary. Currently, he is seen regularly on Star Sports in many broadcasting shows.
Family life
RP Singh with wife and their daughter Ira (Credits YouTube)
RP married to Devanshi Popat, daughter of senior lawyer Manoj Popat from Gujarat in the year 2012 in Ahmedabad. The couple is blessed with a daughter named Ira. RP has two sisters named Akanksha and Deepa. His wife once said, “I introduced Gujarati food to Rudra and he loves it. Dhokla is RP’s favourite.”
Net worth
According to some reports, his net worth is Rs 33 crore. He received salary of Rs four crore. After retirement, he continues with good earning off-field. The 33-year-old appears regularly on many sports shows. He is also one of the commentator and analyst for Star Sports. The former paceman was presented with Mercedes C class for his stellar performance in T20 World Cup in 2007.
Interesting facts
- In January 2006, RP made his Test debut in Pakistan in a placid batting track. RP was the third left-arm pacer in the team after Irfan and Zaheer.
- RP became the 10th Indian bowler to pick a five-for at Lord’s, England in 2007.
- He is a complete foodie.
