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RP hopes to encash lucky break
After remaining in isolation for almost two years, left-arm seamer Rudra Pratap Singh has staged his India comeback. Sharad Deep writes.
After remaining in isolation for almost two years, left-arm seamer Rudra Pratap Singh has staged his India comeback.
Although it was unexpected, as Zaheer Khan's injury replacement, he does not want to let go of this opportunity.
"It's been a big opportunity for me and I should not miss this. The (India) isolation was one of the toughest times of my cricketing career," he told HT on Sunday after getting the call.
RP Singh last played for India in September 2009, against Pakistan in an ODI at Centurion. His last Test was in the 2008 home series against South Africa. "It's really exciting to stage a comeback, I was looking for this for a long time. The isolation made me strong and taught me many things in life," he said. "I always missed being part of the Indian team but I never lost hope and kept working hard.
Keeping fit
"Besides regular bowling sessions, strenuous physical training to keep myself fit was part of my routine. Playing for India again was very much my mission," said the 25-year-old.
The highest wicket taker for Kochi Tuskers, RP has enough experience to bowl against England batsmen. He was part of the squad, which toured England for the full series in 2007. He was the third highest wicket taker in Tests with 12 wickets at an average of 29.91, behind Anil Kumble and Zaheer Khan.
"We won that series 1-0, and I enjoyed bowling on English wickets. I would love to repeat my feat on English soil."
RP also enjoyed success with 13 wickets on India's tour of Australia in 2007-08, but went wicketless in two home Tests vs South Africa in 2008.
This was followed by a low in his ODI performance and he was dropped in September 2009. His domestic performances too weren't laudable. "Those were the worst phases of my career, but my performance in IPL-4 boosted my confidence. I am pretty sure I will do well in England."
