Royal Challengers Bangalore Surprises Fans with No-Ranji Fast Bowler
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) has retained Abhinandan Singh, a fast bowler without Ranji Trophy experience, in their Playing XI. His stellar performance in the 2024 UP T20 League earned him an IPL debut and raised hopes among cricket fans.
Highlights
- •Abhinandan Singh
- •No Ranji Cricket Experience
- •RCB retained Abhinandan for 2026 IPL season
- •Pre-season success vs Virat Kohli
NEW DELHI — The Indian Premier League (IPL) has commenced, and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)'s choice of fast bowler Abhinandan Singh in their Playing XI against Sunrisers Hyderabad has caught the attention of cricket enthusiasts. On March 28, 2026, RCB retained Abhinandan for the 2026 IPL season after acquiring him from Lucknow Falcons during the Mega Auction for ₹30 lakh.
Abhinandan Singh: A Rising Star
The 28-year-old bowler originally hails from Uttar Pradesh and has yet to amass any domestic cricket experience, let alone Ranji Trophy. His performance in the 2024 UP T20 League was commendable; he claimed 15 wickets across 10 innings, leading RCB to select him.
Despite his lack of experience, Abhinandan's potential has been noticed as he bowled Virat Kohli out twice during pre-season practices. This performance may just be the breakthrough he needs in the IPL. RCB's strategy could signal their intent to nurture talent and support emerging players.
In today's match, Ishan Kishan of Sunrisers Hyderabad has delivered a remarkable performance, scoring 72 runs off only 34 balls, despite losing three wickets early on.
Abhinandan Singh represents an exciting opportunity for both him and the team. His debut is a significant moment for RCB fans to see if he can live up to expectations set by his pre-season performances.
