Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally got their IPL 2024 season back on track with a convincing 35-run victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). This win, however, had a special story – the impactful debut for RCB of 33-year-old all-rounder Swapnil Singh.
Unexpected debut for Swapnil Singh
Swapnil Singh, a left-arm spinner and handy batter from Uttar Pradesh, received an unexpected call-up for RCB. Interestingly, he narrowly missed out on being Virat Kohli’s teammate in the 2008 U19 World Cup squad. However, fate brought them together years later, with Swapnil making a dream debut.
Twin wickets silence Hyderabad crowd
Thrown into the action at a crucial juncture with SRH looking dangerous at 37/2, Swapnil displayed nerves of steel. He struck immediate gold, dismissing the experienced Aiden Markram for just 8 runs.
Four deliveries later, he pulled off an even bigger scalp, enticing Heinrich Klaasen into a big shot and sending him back to the pavilion. These twin blows silenced the Hyderabad crowd and shifted the momentum firmly in RCB’s favor.
Spin expertise of Swapnil Singh
Speaking after the match, Swapnil credited his success to his ability to spin the ball and also credites pacers to execute slower balls effectively. He expressed confidence in RCB’s bowling attack, believing the pitch assisted them and the lack of dew made 206 runs a defendable total.
“The experience was good, and we won the game that was the most important part. The ball was stopping. My main aim was to spin the ball and as a fast baller we just have to deliver perfect slower balls. We knew that they will come hard at us, and that why we had to execute our plans well.”
“Yes we thought so that 205 runs were enough, because the ball was stopping when we were batting and dew was also not there. Wicket was assisting us. We just wanted to hit our lengths.”
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Winning feeling a game-changer
Swapnil Singh emphasized the importance of this win for RCB’s morale. “Obviously sir, when we win, the tempo of the team changes. Everyone feels so good,” he said. With two narrow losses preceding this victory, RCB can now focus on building momentum, taking one game at a time.
“Obviously sir, when we win, the tempo of the team changes. Everyone feels so good. Last two matches, we lost by small difference. Everyone would be happy now. Still long way to go and we are focusing one game at a point, now.”
Swapnil Singh’s debut performance serves as a reminder that opportunities can come knocking at any door. His impressive display has not only bolstered RCB’s bowling attack but also injected a much-needed dose of positivity into the team’s campaign.
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