Avinash Singh, the 24-year-old son of an auto driver, has secured an IPL contract with Royal Challengers Bangalore for a whopping 60 Lakhs. While other established players like Sam Curran, Ben Stokes, and Cameron Green were being fought over by IPL teams, Avinash Singh caught the eye of RCB and Kolkata Knight Riders in a mini-bidding war.
Hailing from Jammu and Kashmir, Avinash Singh is yet to represent his state in domestic cricket and predominantly played tennis ball cricket until the start of this year. After failing his latest attempt to clear the Indian Army test, he was headed to Canada to pursue other means of earning. However, things took an interesting turn for the young pacer after he caught the eye of the RCB franchise in March this year.
Singh was impressed in the trials in Bangalore and has been on the radar of the Bangalore-based side for a while now. He was discovered by RCB’s AI-based Hinterland scouting. Avinash, like his statesman Umran Malik, is capable of producing rapid deliveries, and if nurtured properly, can hit the 150Kmph mark shortly. While the fairytale IPL 2023 auction has changed the fortunes of the young man overnight, it will be interesting to see how the franchise utilizes his talent in the upcoming edition.
RCB’s Head of Scouting, Malolan Rangarajan, expressed his satisfaction with the Hinterland scouting process, which utilizes AI to identify talented players in a very objective way. Avinash Singh ticked off several important parameters for RCB, including the ability to bowl at a speed of 145(Kilometres per hour).
Avinash Singh’s story is a true underdog tale, and his success serves as an inspiration to aspiring cricketers who come from humble beginnings. The IPL continues to be a platform for talented players to showcase their abilities and achieve their dreams, regardless of their background.