Rudra Pratap Singh, commonly known as RP Singh, is a former Indian international cricketer who played as a left-arm fast-medium bowler. He represented the Indian national cricket team across all three formats and was part of the squad that won the inaugural ICC World Twenty20 in 2007 in South Africa. At the domestic level, he represented Uttar Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy and several franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
| Full name | Rudra Pratap Singh |
|---|---|
| Born | 6 December 1985, Rae Bareli, Uttar Pradesh |
| Role | Bowler |
| Batting | Right-handed |
| Bowling | Left-arm fast-medium |
| International debut (Test) | 2006, against Pakistan at Faisalabad |
| International debut (ODI) | 2005, against Sri Lanka |
| International debut (T20I) | 2006, against South Africa |
| Domestic team | Uttar Pradesh |
| IPL teams | Deccan Chargers, Kochi Tuskers Kerala, Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore |
| Major honour | ICC World Twenty20 winner (2007) |
RP Singh was born in Rae Bareli in Uttar Pradesh. He came through the age-group ranks of Indian cricket and was part of the India Under-19 squad that played the 2004 Under-19 Cricket World Cup in Bangladesh, where India finished as runners-up. His performances in that tournament drew attention and helped him progress to senior domestic cricket with Uttar Pradesh.
Singh has been a long-serving member of the Uttar Pradesh state side in the Ranji Trophy, where his ability to swing the new ball at a brisk pace made him a leading new-ball option. He also featured in the Duleep Trophy and other domestic tournaments. In the IPL, he was associated with Deccan Chargers in the early seasons and played a notable role in their title-winning campaign in 2009 in South Africa, finishing as the leading wicket-taker of that edition. He subsequently turned out for Kochi Tuskers Kerala, Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Singh made his One Day International debut for India in 2005 against Sri Lanka, and his Test debut followed in early 2006 during India's tour of Pakistan, where he picked up a five-wicket haul on debut at Faisalabad. His left-arm angle and ability to bring the ball back into right-handers gave the Indian attack a useful variation alongside the established seamers of the period.
Singh was a key member of the Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led Indian squad at the 2007 ICC World Twenty20 in South Africa. He was among the leading wicket-takers of the tournament and bowled effectively in the final against Pakistan at the Wanderers in Johannesburg, helping India clinch the inaugural title.
Singh continued to feature for India over the next few years across Tests and limited-overs cricket, including overseas tours. He was recalled to the Test side in 2011 for the tour of England as a replacement for an injured fast bowler. After that series, his international appearances became infrequent, and he gradually moved out of the national reckoning.
RP Singh was known primarily for his ability to swing the new ball into the right-hander from a left-arm angle, a relatively rare skill in Indian cricket. He was effective in helpful conditions and often used in the powerplay overs in limited-overs cricket. Loss of pace and intermittent injuries were among the factors cited for the dip in his form in the latter part of his career.
Singh announced his retirement from all forms of cricket later in his career, after several seasons of domestic and franchise cricket following his international days. Post-retirement, he has been associated with cricket commentary and mentoring roles.
RP Singh's career is significant as he was part of a generation of Indian fast bowlers who delivered India's first global Twenty20 title and contributed to the rise of T20 cricket in the country. His five-wicket haul on Test debut in Pakistan and his wicket-taking role in the 2009 IPL season are among the highlights frequently referenced in discussions of left-arm seam bowling in Indian cricket.