Who is Abhinandan Singh? UP Pacer makes RCB debut in IPL 2026 Opener, Was a Net Bowler Once

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As the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) gear up for their IPL 2026 campaign, the spotlight is intensely focused on their bowling lineup.

Following the unexpected departure of Yash Dayal due to personal reasons, RCB's management is looking toward its bench strength to step up. And as it was confirmed by RCB captain, Abhinandan Singh is making his IPL debut against SRH in the IPL 2026 opener.

Who is Abhinandan Singh?

Hailing from Uttar Pradesh, Abhinandan's journey into professional cricket is a testament to raw talent and rapid development. He only began bowling with a leather ball in 2020 but quickly made up for lost time with his ability to swing the new ball both ways and hit the deck consistently.

Full Name: Abhinandan Singh
Date of Birth: March 30, 1997 (28 Years Old)
Hometown: Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh
Role: Bowler
Batting Style: Right-Handed
Bowling Style: Right-arm medium-fast
Current IPL Team: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)

From Net Bowler to the Big Stage

Abhinandan's rise to the IPL wasn't through the traditional age-group domestic grind but rather through breakout performances in regional T20 leagues and crucial behind-the-scenes networking. Singh made massive waves playing for the Lucknow Falcons in the Uttar Pradesh T20 League. During the 2024 season, he turned heads by claiming 15 wickets in just 10 matches. His ability to maintain a tight economy rate while bowling difficult overs proved he had the temperament for high-pressure T20 cricket.

Before officially landing an IPL contract, Abhinandan spent the 2024 IPL season as a net bowler for the Kolkata Knight Riders. This stint allowed him to bowl to world-class batters, refine his variations, and understand the rigorous demands of franchise cricket.

The RCB Call-Up

His domestic consistency paid off when Royal Challengers Bengaluru acquired him for his base price of ₹30 Lakh during the 2025 IPL auction. Recognizing his steady pace and reliable swing, the franchise officially retained him ahead of the 2026 season. With RCB coach Andy Flower explicitly naming him as a key backup option, Abhinandan now has the perfect platform to learn alongside returning veterans like Josh Hazlewood.

Domestic T20

Matches: 19
Wickets: 23
Best Bowling (BBI): 4/26