Meet Rajandeep Singh, the Jharkhand all-rounder who impressed India’s T20I stars in RanchiDiscover his domestic record, IPL trial opportunities and inspiring cricket journey.
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Jharkhand all-rounder Rajandeep Singh (Photo: IANS)
Jharkhand’s Rajandeep Singh got a rare opportunity to bowl to some of India’s biggest T20 stars during the team’s practice session at the JSCA Stadium in RanchiThe 24-year-old fast-bowling all-rounder impressed with his control and discipline as he bowled to Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma and 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi ahead of the second T20I against South AfricaFor Rajandeep, who has battled financial struggles to keep his cricketing dream alive, the session was an important chance to learn from some of the country’s leading players.
“I got a chance to bowl to the senior playersI got to know what I can do better and what are the crucial things I need to work on,” Rajandeep told PTI.
“I also got the experience of knowing that I can’t bowl too looseIt was a good feeling to bowl today.”
Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan help build his confidence
The young cricketer said the feedback from India’s players gave him confidence, with Samson among those who appreciated his bowling.
“The batsmen were saying that I was bowling wellSanju sir was also saying that I was bowling well,” he said.
Rajandeep was part of Jharkhand’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy-winning team led by KishanHe credits the wicketkeeper-batter with helping him improve his mindset and enjoy the game instead of putting himself under too much pressure.
“In age-group cricket, it is mostly about your skills, but at the senior level you need more mental toughnessIshan bhaiya gave me clarity and told me to enjoy my cricketI was lacking that mental clarity earlier, but I have recovered it now.”
Impressive numbers with bat and ball
Rajandeep contributed to Jharkhand’s title-winning campaign with both bat and ballHe took five wickets in eight matches and scored 200 runs in seven innings at an average of 40 and a strike rate above 186.
He also impressed in the Jharkhand Premier League, claiming eight wickets in eight matchesHis performances have reportedly brought interest from two or three IPL franchises, which have invited him for trials.
However, the youngster remains focused on domestic cricket rather than looking too far ahead.
“I am not looking at it right nowIt is good to be in a team, but I will focus on the upcoming seasonI will focus on the trials and the matches.
“The domestic season is about to start, and I am ready for everything.”
MS Dhoni remains his biggest inspiration
Rajandeep grew up admiring Yuvraj Singh and former India captain Mahendra Singh DhoniDhoni remains his biggest inspiration, particularly because of his approach to batting and the game.
“My idol is MS DhoniMy batting order is also similar to him, so I learn a lot from himBeing on the field, I learn a lot from him,” he said.
Rajandeep also scored an unbeaten 400 off 387 balls against Meghalaya in the CK Nayudu Trophy, a remarkable innings that brought him further attention.
From financial struggles to a cricketing dream
Rajandeep is the son of Kulwant Singh, a school bus driver, and Surinder KaurHe left his studies after Class 12 to focus on cricket and came close to quitting in 2016 because of financial difficulties.
“But I told them just give me one year and I went to represent Jharkhand U-16 side and since then I’ve been a regular,” he recalled.
His family has since returned to Jalandhar, but Rajandeep has stayed in Jharkhand to continue pursuing his cricketing ambitions.
“My family has full support and they want me to excelThere were difficult times, but things have fallen into placeMy father still drives a school bus in Jalandhar and things have finally become normalMy full focus is now on cricket,” he signed off.
