Swapnil Singh, the all-rounder for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), has shared insights into his emotional cricketing journey and his bond with star batter Virat Kohli. Swapnil joined RCB in the second half of IPL 2024 and played a crucial role in their remarkable turnaround, contributing with both bat and ball.
Crucial Role in RCB’s Turnaround
RCB’s performance in the first half of IPL 2024 was dismal, with just one win in eight games. However, the team secured six successive wins to reach the playoffs, with Swapnil playing a vital role. He said, “I am very happy with my performance and want to continue it in the playoffs.”
Emotional Cricketing Journey
Swapnil, born in Lucknow, has represented Baroda and currently plays for Uttarakhand. He credited his father for his cricketing journey, mentioning that his father’s passion for the sport drove him to pursue cricket seriously. Swapnil emotionally stated, “My father was my first coach. I am playing cricket because of him. It was his passion to make me play that made this all possible.”
Bond with Virat Kohli
Swapnil and Virat Kohli have a long-standing relationship, having played together at the U15 and U19 levels. Swapnil fondly recalled their time as roommates during tours to Sri Lanka and Malaysia. He described their recent reunion as warm and shared, “When I met him after so many years, it felt so warm. We were meeting after so many years, asked each other about our lives and families. It felt really good.”
Impactful Moments in IPL
Swapnil made his IPL debut for Punjab Kings in 2017 and later played for Mumbai Indians in the inaugural season in 2008. He recalled memorable moments, including taking the wicket of MS Dhoni in his IPL debut and interacting with cricket legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Andy Flower. Swapnil reminisced, “Sachin is like a god to us all. When I met him and interacted with him for the first time ever, it felt good.”
Lessons Learned and Future Goals
Despite facing challenges, Swapnil views his journey as a learning experience. He highlighted the support he received from former cricketer Irfan Pathan, who helped him find a new state, Uttarakhand, to further his career. Swapnil’s perseverance and dedication to his craft reflect his determination to succeed in cricket. He said, “It was a blessing in disguise because when you are thrown out of your house, you learn to stand on your feet.”
Conclusion
Swapnil’s journey from facing setbacks to making a significant impact in IPL 2024 is inspirational. His story showcases the resilience and determination required to succeed in cricket, and his bond with Virat Kohli adds a personal touch to his cricketing journey. As Swapnil continues to excel in his cricketing career, his story serves as a reminder of the importance of perseverance and hard work in achieving one’s goals.
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