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Virat Singh, a name that has been making waves in the Indian cricketing circuit, is an embodiment of talent, dedication, and perseverance. Born on December 8, 1997, in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, Virat Binod Singh has carved a niche for himself in the cricketing world with his left-handed batting prowess and right-arm leg spin bowling. With a cricketing journey that began at a tender age, Virat Singh's rise in the cricketing ranks is a testament to his hard work and commitment to the sport.
Hailing from Jamshedpur, which was a part of Bihar during his birth, Virat's tryst with cricket began quite early. At the age of 14, he made his debut for the Jharkhand under-19s during the 2012–13 edition of the Vinoo Mankad Trophy. His performance was commendable, scoring 152 runs from five innings, only behind his older brother and Shasheem Rathour. One of his notable innings from this period was a half-century against Assam, where he scored 73 runs off 98 balls. His consistent performance for his state team led to his selection in the BCCI interzonal competition, where he played alongside his brother, Vishal. Here, he showcased his talent with a standout innings of 78 against Central Zone, marking the highest score by an East Zone player in that tournament.
The 2013-14 season saw Virat playing under-19 matches for both Jharkhand and East Zone. Despite being just 15 at the start of the season, he was given the responsibility to captain Jharkhand in the Cooch Behar Trophy. His leadership qualities were evident as he led from the front, topping the run charts for East Zone in the interzonal one-day tournament. His best score during this period was an unbeaten 146 against West Zone. In the four-day Cooch Behar Trophy, he amassed 508 runs from five matches, which included two centuries against Assam and Andhra.
Virat's consistent performances at the junior level did not go unnoticed. In March 2014, he was selected to make his senior debut for Jharkhand in the limited-overs Vijay Hazare Trophy. He played all of Jharkhand's matches in the tournament, helping the team reach the semifinals with two half-centuries against Bengal and Assam. His prowess in the one-day format earned him a spot in Jharkhand's team for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, India's premier interstate twenty20 competition. Virat Singh's early life and entry into cricket are a tale of passion, dedication, and an undying love for the game. From his early days in Jamshedpur to representing Jharkhand and East Zone at various levels, Virat's journey is an inspiration for many budding cricketers.
Domestic Cricket Achievements
Virat Singh's domestic cricket journey is a testament to his unwavering dedication and passion for the sport. Representing teams like Bihar, East Zone, Jharkhand, and Sunrisers Hyderabad, Virat has showcased his prowess both as a batsman and a bowler.
His batting statistics are impressive. In First-Class cricket, Virat has played 44 matches, amassing 2407 runs with an average of 34.88. His highest score in this format is 140, and he has hit 9 centuries and 6 half-centuries. His strike rate stands at 45.40, and he has hit 285 boundaries and 32 sixes. In List A cricket, Virat has played 64 matches, scoring 2151 runs with an average of 39.10. His highest score in this format is an unbeaten 116, and he has 3 centuries and 15 half-centuries to his name. His strike rate in List A cricket is 80.02, and he has hit 209 boundaries and 28 sixes.
Virat's T20 statistics are also commendable. He has played 73 matches, scoring 1990 runs with an average of 34.91 and a strike rate of 124.60. His highest score in T20s is 103*, and he has hit 12 half-centuries. He has smashed 195 boundaries and 55 sixes in this format.
Some of the notable matches in his domestic career include:
His debut First-Class match for Jharkhand against Assam at Guwahati in December 2014.
His List A debut for Jharkhand against Bengal at Ranchi in March 2014.
His T20 debut for Jharkhand against Tripura at Eden Gardens in April 2014.
Virat Singh has not made his international debut for the Indian cricket team. However, his consistent performances in domestic cricket have kept him in the reckoning for a potential international call-up. His prowess in the shorter formats of the game, especially T20s, makes him a valuable asset for any team. Virat Singh's domestic achievements highlight his potential and promise. His consistent performances across formats have made him one of the standout players in the Indian domestic circuit. While he awaits his international debut, there's no doubt that with his talent and dedication, he will soon make a mark on the international stage.
Notable Matches and Key Moments
Virat Singh's cricketing journey has been punctuated with several notable matches and key moments that have defined his career:
Vinoo Mankad Trophy 2012-13: At just 14 years of age, Virat made his debut for the Jharkhand under-19s. He showcased his potential by scoring 152 runs from five innings. His standout performance was a half-century against Assam, where he scored 73 runs off 98 balls.
BCCI Interzonal Competition 2012-13: Following his impressive stint in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy, Virat was selected for the BCCI interzonal competition. Here, he delivered a memorable innings of 78 against Central Zone, marking the highest score by an East Zone player in that tournament.
Cooch Behar Trophy 2013-14: Entrusted with the captaincy of Jharkhand in the Cooch Behar Trophy at just 15, Virat led from the front. He topped the run charts for East Zone in the interzonal one-day tournament with a best of 146 not out against West Zone. In the four-day format, he accumulated 508 runs from five matches, including two centuries against Assam and Andhra.
Vijay Hazare Trophy 2013-14: Making his senior debut for Jharkhand, Virat played a pivotal role in guiding the team to the semifinals. He scored two crucial half-centuries against Bengal and Assam.
Ranji Trophy 2014-15: Virat made his Ranji Trophy debut against Assam and quickly made a mark by scoring a maiden first-class century in his second match against Kerala. This century was particularly memorable as he faced a stumping appeal while on 99, which was adjudicated as not out after several minutes by the third umpire.
Deodhar Trophy 2014-15: Representing East Zone, Virat played a significant role in the final, scoring 54 runs. He forged a 135-run third-wicket partnership with Manoj Tiwary, leading East Zone to its first Deodhar Trophy win since the 2003-04 season.
Statistics and Records
Virat Singh's statistics are a testament to his consistency and talent:
First-Class: 44 matches, 2407 runs, average of 34.88, highest score of 140, 9 centuries, and 6 half-centuries.
List A: 64 matches, 2151 runs, average of 39.10, highest score of 116*, 3 centuries, and 15 half-centuries.
T20s: 73 matches, 1990 runs, average of 34.91, highest score of 103*, and 12 half-centuries.
While Virat Singh is still in the prime of his career, his journey so far has been nothing short of inspirational. From making his mark in junior cricket to consistently performing in domestic tournaments, Virat has showcased his potential at every step. His dedication, hard work, and passion for the game have made him one of the standout players in the Indian domestic circuit.
His achievements serve as a beacon of hope for many budding cricketers, showing that with determination and perseverance, one can rise through the ranks and make a mark in the competitive world of cricket. As he continues to play and achieve greater heights, Virat Singh's legacy will undoubtedly be that of a cricketer who gave his all for the love of the game.
FAQs
Who is Virat Singh in the cricketing world?
Virat Singh is an Indian cricketer known for his left-handed batting and right-arm leg spin bowling. He represents Jharkhand in domestic cricket and has played for teams like East Zone and Sunrisers Hyderabad.
When did Virat Singh make his debut in domestic cricket?
Virat Singh made his senior debut for Jharkhand during the 2013–14 season when he was just 16 years old.
Has Virat Singh played in the Indian Premier League (IPL)?
Yes, Virat Singh was bought by Sunrisers Hyderabad for the 2020 Indian Premier League season.
What are some of Virat Singh's notable achievements in domestic cricket?
Virat has delivered standout performances in tournaments like the Vinoo Mankad Trophy, BCCI Interzonal Competition, Cooch Behar Trophy, and the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He has scored multiple centuries and has been a consistent run-scorer for his teams.
Is Virat Singh related to any other cricketer?
Yes, Virat Singh's brother, Vishal Singh, is also a cricketer. The two have played together in several matches.
