Daily Times

MUMBAI: Former India pacer R P Singh on Tuesday announced his retirement from the game. The 32-year-old Singh, a left arm speedster, took to Twitter to announce his decision. “13 years ago today, on 4th September 2005 was the first time I donned the Indian jersey. It was the stepping-stone to what would become the most cherished moments of my life,” Singh wrote on his Twitter account. “Today as I hang my boots and call it a day, I wish to remember and give thanks to each and everyone who made this journey possible,” he said. His international career spanned six years and the pacer played 82 matches across all three formats and picked up over 100 wickets. He was one of the heroes of India’s 2007 World T20 triumph and played a major role in India’s Test win over Australia at Perth in that year. He last featured in an international game in an ODI against England in Cardiff on September 2011.

“For someone born in a small village, I never thought I would be able to say this I have lived my dream. And for that I have nobody else to thank but you. My fans. For believing in me. for criticizing me and for hailing me but mainly for just being there for me. Thank you!,” Singh signed off. Singh also went on to have a successful first-class career where he picked up 301 wickets in 94 games at an average of 30.57, of which 209 came in the Ranji Trophy. After spending over 10 years with Uttar Pradesh, Singh shifted his base to Gujarat and won the competition in 2016-17. He picked up four wickets in the final against Mumbai which turned out to be his last professional game.

Published in Daily Times, September 6^th 2018.