The playoff run of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru is nothing short of remarkable. It’s been an incredible trip from finishing last at the halfway point of the league phase to moving up the laborious points table ladder and taking fourth place.
As amazing as RCB’s IPL adventure has been, you should also keep an eye on the emotional turnaround of their spin bowler, Swapnil Singh.
The 33-year-old Swapnil, who revitalized the spin department and was instrumental in the RCB’s comeback, has now disclosed a difficult period during which he considered giving up cricket.
“I had a game in Dharamsala on the day of the IPL auction. After I landed, it was about 7-8 p.m. By then, nothing had happened, and the final rounds were underway. Initially, I believed that was it when I missed out. To be honest, I felt like everything was over,” Swapnil admitted to the RCB Bold Diaries.
According to Swapnil, he decided there were better things to do with his life and contemplated hanging up his boots.
“I didn’t want to play professionally my entire life, so I assumed I would finish the current (domestic) season and, if necessary, quit my career after competing in the following season. In life, there are other things to excel at. I was really let down,” he continued.
However, things started to change when RCB signed the 33-year-old left-arm orthodox spinner for Rs 20 lakh, which was his base fee. After this, he disclosed the time he called his family. “We sobbed as soon as my family called. Since nobody else is aware of how emotionally taxing the voyage has been,” he recalled.
Prior to the auction, Swapnil talked candidly about his chat with Andy Flower, the head coach of the RCB. Prior to my selection in the auction, RCB had conducted a trial-turned-camp. I told Andy, sir, everything about my (domestic) season in our conversation. Please give me one chance, I said to him. This could be my last opportunity. Simply trust me. He expressed his belief in me. For the camp, he called me,” Swapnil remarked.
As RCB will play against the Rajasthan Royals in the eliminator on May 22, Swapnil will be crucial once again with the ball in hand.
