10 Facts about RP Singh - The Enigma of Indian Cricket

One of the best left-arm fast bowlers ever produced by India, RP Singh showcased his brilliance on many occasions, unfortunately not on as consistently as expected at the highest level. A bowler capable of moving the ball both ways, RP also had a sharp bouncer which he used intelligently. A product of India’s strong junior cricket structure he rose through the ranks to earn a place in the national team. Greater things were expected from a bowler of his skills however he never became a regular member of the national side.

Here are some interesting facts about RP Singh:

1. Birth:

Rudra Pratap Singh was born on 6th December 1985 in Rae Bareli, Uttar Pradesh, India.

2. Background:

He comes from a modest background. His father Shiv Pratap Singh, who was an operator in the technical wing of the Indian Technical Institute, encouraged him to play cricket and sent him to the reputed Guru Gobind Singh Sports College in Lucknow.

3. Lucknow sports hostel:

RP is a product of the famed Lucknow Sports Hostel, which has produced several international cricketers like Mohammed Kaif and Suresh Raina and Gyanendra Pandey. He has trained alongside Raina, who later became his team-mate at India Under-19, state team and senior India team.

4. Under 19s:

He made his first-class debut as an 18-year old, after impressing everyone with his bowling in India’s Under-19 World Cup campaign in Bangladesh in 2004, where he picked up 8 wickets at an average of 24.75. Singh continued his good form in the Ranji season, finishing as the joint highest wicket taker with 34 wickets in six matches.

Also Read – Top 14 Fastest bowlers in Indian domestic cricket

5. Man-of-the-Match on Test debut:

In January 2006, RP made his Test debut in Faisalabad in Pakistan on a flat track. The Test saw 1702 runs being scored while most bowlers were hammered in the draw game, he bowled beautifully to pick up five wickets and was awarded the Man-of-the-Match.

6. Lord’s Honours Board:

In 2007, RP became the 10th Indian bowler to pick a five-for at Lord’s that got his name on the famous Honours Board at the home of cricket.

7. Memorable performances:

He was instrumental in India winning the first ICC Twenty20 World Championship in South Africa in 2007. He picked up 12 wickets at an average of 12.67 and an economy rate of 6.33. He just played three T20Is after that. He picked up a brilliant four-wicket haul and made a vital contribution with the bat supporting VSS Laxman, in the famous Perth Test match against Australia which India won.

8. Mudgal report:

The Mudgal report submitted to the Supreme Court mentioned RP’s name too and he was questioned by Delhi Police in relation to the IPL spot-fixing and betting in 2013. However, nothing has been proved and the report says that the names mentioned don’t necessarily mean they are involved.

9. Media career:

RP is seen in the Aaj Tak studio as a cricket expert. He is still an active player, and now plays for Gujrat in the Ranji Trophy, but features regularly in the IPL studio as well.

10. International statistics:

He played 14 Tests and picked up 40 wickets with a career best of 5/59 in the Lord’s Test. His 58 ODIs yielded 69 wickets with a best of 4/35 against Sri Lanka at Rajkot. He has played 10 T20Is taking 15 wickets with a best of 4/13 against South Africa in the 2007 T20I World Cup.