Role:
Batting Style: Right Handed Bat
Bowling Style: Left-arm orthodox
Country: India
Team: Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Player profile for Swapnil Singh
Swapnil Singh is an Indian cricketer known for his slow left-arm orthodox bowling and his handy contributions as a lower-order batsman. Over the years, he has made a significant impact in domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Early Life and Background:
- Full Name: Swapnil Singh
- Born: January 22, 1991, Rae Bareli, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Role: All-rounder (Bowler and Batsman)
- Batting Style: Right-handed
- Bowling Style: Slow left-arm orthodox
Swapnil Singh was born in Rae Bareli, Uttar Pradesh, but moved to Baroda (now Vadodara) in 2001 to pursue cricket. His initial training focused on batting under the guidance of his father. However, after relocating, he shifted to bowling and soon became known for his slow left-arm orthodox spin.
Swapnil has had an early connection with some of India’s top cricketers, including sharing rooms with Virat Kohli during the Under-15 and Under-19 tours to Sri Lanka and Malaysia.
Domestic Career:
- First-Class Debut: Swapnil made his debut in first-class cricket for Baroda at the age of 14 years and 355 days, making him one of the youngest debutants in the format. His debut match was against Hyderabad in 2006.
- Notable Domestic Performances:
- In the 2017–18 Ranji Trophy, Swapnil Singh scored 565 runs in six matches, making him Baroda’s top run-scorer for that season.
- His all-round performances earned him a spot in the India Blue squad for the Duleep Trophy in 2018.
- In the 2021–22 season, Swapnil moved to Uttarakhand to continue his cricketing career and showcase his talent in domestic cricket.
Indian Premier League (IPL) Career:
- Initial Stints: Swapnil’s IPL career began with Mumbai Indians in 2008, though his opportunities were limited. In 2016, he joined Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) and made a significant impact, including a memorable performance in his debut match, where he took the wicket of MS Dhoni.
- Recent Developments:
- In 2023, Swapnil was bought by Lucknow Super Giants for ₹20 lakh.
- In the following IPL season (2024), Swapnil was picked up by Royal Challengers Bangalore for ₹50 lakh at the IPL auction.
Personal Life:
- Family: Swapnil Singh comes from a supportive family. His mother, Rajeshwari Singh, has been a guiding influence. He also has a brother, Jyotsnil Singh, who is also a cricketer, and a sister, Ayushi Singh.
Physical Attributes:
- Height: Approximately 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm)
- Eye Color: Black
- Hair Color: Black
Playing Style:
Swapnil is primarily known for his left-arm orthodox spin bowling and is a solid lower-order batsman. His experience in domestic cricket, along with his all-round abilities, make him a valuable asset to any team, especially in conditions that assist slow bowlers. He has shown his ability to perform under pressure, both with the bat and ball.
Facts and Trivia:
- Despite early challenges in his career, Swapnil’s perseverance and consistent performances have helped him gain recognition at both the domestic and IPL levels.
- Swapnil’s versatility in different formats, from domestic cricket to the IPL, has made him an important player in Indian cricket.
Swapnil Singh continues to be a promising all-rounder, known for his mature approach to the game and his ability to contribute in multiple areas, both with the ball and bat.