IPL 2024: RCB Star Swapnil Singh reveals retirement plans before IPL, tells heart-touching Auction story

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Royal Challengers Bengaluru have done the unthinkable by qualifying for the IPL 2024 playoffs. A magical win over Chennai Super Kings meant RCB beat all the odds to register their name in the knockouts.

They have registered six consecutive victories to revive themselves, and as they take on Rajasthan Royals in the Eliminator, the hopes will be to continue the run.

In their amazing rejuvenation story, a player who has played a key part is Swapnil Singh. The 33-year-old bowling all-rounder has played six matches for RCB this season, and has 6 wickets with a decent economy.

Along with the revival of RCB, the redemption of Swapnil Singh is another big component of this season. Along with the various compartments of their turnaround, this particular one has an added importance.

The spin-bowling all-rounder made his RCB debut in Hyderabad last month and has since gone on to be part of their winning run. But Swapnil was far from joy even a few months back, he almost decided to hang his boots from cricket.

Speaking on RCB Bold Diaries after RCB marched into the playoffs at Chinnaswamy Stadium, Swapnil revealed that he was close to retirement and RCB picking him gave him a new purpose.

Before RCB picked up, Swapnil Singh wanted to Retire

"The day of the IPL auction I was travelling to Dharamsala for a game. It was around 7-8 pm after I landed. Nothing had happened by then and the last rounds were on. When I missed out at first, I thought that's it. Frankly I thought it was all over," Swapnil said to RCB.

"I thought I would play out the ongoing (domestic) season, and if needed, I would end my career after playing the next season because I did not want to keep playing all my life. There are other things to do well in life as well. I was very disappointed," he added.

And then, the turnaround came, as RCB raised the paddle for Swapnil at the auction. The player and his family had an emotional moment and they were in tears.

"As soon as my family called, we broke down. Because no one else understands how emotional the journey has been."

When he entered the RCB dressing room, Swapnil knew he would get the opportunity to play eventually, and the positive mindset kept the veteran going till the opportunity came.

"I never entered the ground thinking that I am not playing. My first practice session was the first match for me, it was not just a practice session. I knew that I would have to be on target from ball one if I had to play even one game. So, nets was my match," Swapnil said.

The UP-born player was introduced in the 9th match of the season, when things were looking gloomy for the franchise. Astonishingly, the introduction of Swapnil radically changed the fortunes of RCB, as the team did for Swapnil in the auction.