Meet Abhinandan Singh: RCB Pacer Who Dismissed Kohli Twice Before IPL Debut
Abhinandan Singh is an uncapped pacer from Pratapgarh, Uttar Pradesh. He makes his IPL debut for Royal Challengers Bengaluru against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL 2026 opener at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
He earned early attention after he dismissed Kohli twice in RCB intra-squad practice matches. The performances increased interest in the young seamer ahead of the season.
From Tennis-Ball Nets to Professional Cricket
Singh bowled tennis-ball cricket in Pratapgarh before switching to leather ball in 2020. A Delhi-based coach, Randhir Singh, advised him to commit two to three years to serious training.
That commitment led to training stints and exposure at higher levels. He also bowled in KKR nets prior to joining RCB.
Domestic Breakthrough and Statistics
His breakthrough came in the UP T20 League with Lucknow Falcons. He produced notable wicket hauls across two seasons.
| Season | Matches | Wickets | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 10 | 15 | Bowling alongside Bhuvneshwar Kumar |
| 2025 | 8 | 8 | Four-wicket haul versus Gorakhpur Lions |
IPL Auction and RCB Signing
Singh went unsold initially at the IPL 2025 mega auction. He was then acquired by Royal Challengers Bengaluru in a rapid subsequent round.
RCB secured him for ₹30 lakh. That figure was the lowest among players in the RCB squad.
Bowling Style and Key Traits
He is not an express quick. His strength lies in deception and subtle extra pace off the pitch.
Singh’s stock ball is an outswinger released from a high point. Batters often misjudge his pace and timing.
Notable Practice Performances
In intra-squad matches he dismissed Virat Kohli on two occasions. He also removed Phil Salt in the second practice match.
Those scalps amplified talk about the RCB pacer and his readiness for the IPL stage.
Role in RCB’s 2026 Campaign
RCB’s seam department faced absences. Josh Hazlewood is injured and Yash Dayal is unavailable for the season.
Nuwan Thushara was denied an SLC NOC, leaving Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jacob Duffy as senior seam options. Singh is expected to cover middle overs and potentially bowl at the death.
Fitness and Support
RCB staff, including trainer Basu Shankar and physio James Pipe, have monitored Singh’s lower-back issue. The team uses DEXA scans and structured load management.
Those measures aim to keep him match-ready for the demands of IPL cricket.
Filmogaz.com will track his progress through the tournament. The player’s journey from Pratapgarh nets to RCB’s playing XI is now under the spotlight.
