RP Singh

Born on 6 December 1985, RP Singh is one in the long list of Indian pace bowlers who seem to have faded away after a bright start. RP Singh first came into contention during the U-19 world cup held in Bangladesh in 2004 picking up 8 wickets in the tournament. He followed it by snatching 34 wickets in six Ranji games for Uttar Pradesh to come into limelight.

In an era where India seemed to be forever in the search for young batsmen and bowlers, it was not hard to see RP Singh making his ODI debut against Zimbabwe in September 2005. He made an immediate splash taking two wickets in his second over. It was not that long for him to make his test debut and he did so in Pakistan in 2007. It was however the tour of England later that year that he came into prominence. He managed his first 5-wicket haul at the famed Lord's and played a huge part in India winning that series after a span of 21 years. He followed it up with crucial strikes in the inaugural T20 World Cup as India romped home against all odds.

The fairytale continued at Perth as India registered a historic victory with RP Singh claiming six wickets. However, he suffered a barren run afterwards and was promptly discarded following a wicket-less series against South Africa at home in 2008. He remained a regular feature in the ODI set up but inconsistency and injury has plagued him from being at his best.

RP Singh was signed up by Deccan Chargers for the inaugural IPL and played a major part in helping his side clinch the trophy when the 2nd season was held in South Africa. He snaffled 23 wickets in 16 matches to become the highest wicket taker and was the proud owner of the purple cap. The Kochi franchise paid US $ 475,000 for his services in the 2011 auction.

RP Singh was a last minute replacement for an injury ravaged Indian team in England, but his returns were a very modest 34 wicket-less overs at the Oval. He was a part of the subsequent ODI series, but failed to create much of an impression and never played the country again.

He then represented the Mumbai Indians in 2012 before moving to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) the next year. However, lack of performances at RCB, and a modest domestic season meant, there were no bidders for him at the 2014 IPL auctions.

By Pradeep Krishnamurthy