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Silchar boy Rahul Singh returns from UAE; says "Got bowling tips from top cricketers and coaches in IPL"

Assam state cricketer Rahul Singh has got the opportunity to experience dreams with his eyes open. The Silchar boy was in the Rajasthan Royals team as a net bowler. The left-arm orthodox sat at the empty gallery and cheered for his franchisee in the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League.

Rahul had left Silchar in August and stayed a couple of nights in Mumbai before flying to Dubai. After reaching there, he had to undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine along with the team, and then they moved into the bio-bubble.

As the tournament approached, all the players started sweating it out. “We were given a new ball right after we reached the ground,” recalls Rahul. Net bowlers are often kept at a distance from the core team and they are only called in during net sessions. Rahul bowled to the best, the game has ever seen. “This is an experience that I cannot explain in words,” says the left-arm bowler.

Rahul Singh with legendary Shane Warne

Rahul’s image with Shane Warne was spotted on Facebook. “There were no restrictions put by the management in terms of access to the players and staff. We got the opportunity to interact with many players and coaches.” he shared, adding, “I have got bowling tips from top cricketers including the bowling coach Siaraj Bahitule.”

He was not the only one from Assam- Rahul, Jitumoni Kalita, and Minmoy Dutta had also joined the camp as net bowlers. But the ‘Halla Bol’ moment for all of them was when Assam Cricketer and under-19 India player, Riyan Parag had hit the winning runs against Sunrisers Hyderabad. The dugout of Rajasthan with Smith, Butler, Samson back in it, had lost hopes while chasing against SRH. But Riyan Parag and Rahul Tewatia stitched up a terrific partnership and took the team over the line. Ryan threw the bat on the ground, removed the gloves, and started performing Bihu steps as Rahul, Jitumoni, and Minmoy cheered him from the gallery.

Rahul Singh being felicitated after return the home

“It was a surreal experience. All of us were cheering them on top of our voices. We could feel the energy even though the stadium was empty. That is definitely the moment that stands out in this entire journey,” says Rahul.

In the early stages of IPL, players in all the teams were finding it difficult to perform at the best of their abilities. Most of them looked out of shape and a few of them were out of touch too. Rahul remained in shape despite playing absolutely no cricket for almost half a year. “I made it a point to work out regularly so that my body is in shape. Also, I was bowling every now and then in my lane while playing with a tennis ball. That helped me stay in touch with the game,” he shares.

(Also Read: Silchar Boy Rahul Singh On Sharing Podium With Virat Kohli At BCCI Awards: I Am Excited But My Dream Is To Share The Cricket Field With Him)

Rajasthan Royals could not make it to the playoffs of what is definitely the most competitive T-20 league in the world. Rahul has returned home. “This trip comes as a major boost for my career. I have learned so much and I am sure it will help me perform better in the future,” he shares.

Rahul Singh is so close yet he is so far. From sidelines to the pitch is a journey that he himself and along with him entire Barak Valley will be eagerly waiting for. This IPL has filled the air with the perfume of promise, it is now for BCCI’s award-winning cricketer to deliver.

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