The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : A welcome extension for R.P. Singh

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Thursday, May 17, 2007
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A welcome extension for R.P. Singh

Special Correspondent

Feels missing out on World Cup helped him reorganise himself

TIME TO DELIVER: Given a chance, Rudra Pratap Singh would love to cement his place in the Test squad.

CHITTAGONG: He had to unpack hours before departure, and probably draw up a fresh shopping list. The unfortunate calf injury to S. Sreesanth gave Rudra Pratap Singh a welcome extension and a place in the Test squad for the two-match series against Bangladesh.

RP was to leave along with Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Dinesh Mongia, Robin Uthappa and Piyush Chawla but was asked to stay back since Sreesanth had not staged the expected recovery.

A reasonably good domestic season had seen RP stay in the reckoning. Greg Chappell rated him high for various reasons but somehow RP fell short of attaining the standards that the Australian great had visualised. It was hard for RP no doubt because the opportunity-seekers formed a large pool and he happened to be just a part of it.

Blow to his ambitions

Missing out on the World Cup was a blow to his ambitions but it was also a challenge for the Uttar Pradesh cricketer to reorganise himself. He was reconciled to playing in domestic cricket and following the same course that had earned him a national cap when the offer to play for Leicestershire came his way.

"I had never thought I would get to play county cricket but when the offer came I did not have to think much. I have heard so much about learning the game in the conditions in England and I was happy to accept it. It has been a good experience even though I have played only two matches,'' said RP.

The facilities in England was a major attraction for the left-arm seamer. "I was mentally prepared for county cricket. I was told it would be tough. I wanted to challenge myself in difficult conditions because I want to improve. I know if I work hard on my fitness and skills I can improve and that was the only reason why I opted to play in the county circuit.''

There was little time for RP to acclimatise himself to the conditions in England. He had to play a four-day match against Nottinghamshire within 24 hours of landing. The fixture at Trent Bridge tested his ability to understand the situation quickly. He had to overcome fatigue and settle down to bowl a tight line and a nagging length. That is what the club demanded. And RP got down to business without wasting time.

Three wickets in the first match was encouraging. "I knew I had to be patient because the pitch was flat. The bounce was even and the batsmen had the advantage. I had to work hard for the three wickets,'' he noted.

Improved show

The second match saw RP improve. He took five wickets and his victims included Justin Langer and Marcus Trescothick. "I was happy because I was able to move the ball. I bowled a better line than in the first match,'' he said.

RP has been concentrating on movement and variety. "I have not compromised on my pace but it makes sense to have variety. These days there is so much of analysis that one has to keep thinking all the time. Everyone has limitations. I have my limitations but I am learning to make the most of what I have. I can't experiment in a match situation so I concentrate on developing my variety at the nets and then try them out in a match.''

Relishing challenge

RP returns to the county circuit after the series here. "I like the challenge of being known as a professional and performing too as a professional. I know my duties. It is tough because the professionals in the other teams also give their best against you. One gets only two days of rest in a week. It can be a tough grind. A four-day match, a one-day match and a Twenty20 contest, all in a week's time. But it is enjoyable.''

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