Published: Dec 22, 2014, 05:31 PM (IST)
Edited: Dec 22, 2014, 05:31 PM (IST)
Rabindra Ramanarayan Singh, known to the world as Robin Singh, was one of India’s fittest cricketers with a cent percent commitment level. He made a comeback to the national side at the age of 33. And though one of the oldest, he was most athletic. Be it batting or bowling, Robin gave it all.
Post their win in the 1996 World Cup, Sri Lanka were a tough side to beat especially in the shorter format and in sub-continental conditions. India were coming back from a disastrous Champions Trophy in Sharjah, where they had lost all their three matches, and now playing the dominant Sri Lanka wasn’t going to be easy.
In a One-Day International (ODI) series in 1997, India won the toss and put Sri Lanka to bat on a cold and misty morning in Guwahati. The Indian bowlers bowled well and kept the Lankan batters in check, before all-rounder Robin came and steamrolled them. His swing was tough for the Lankans to counter as they could just manage 172 runs. Robin bowled only five overs, gave away 22 runs and picked up five wickets.
India had an easy chase, led by skipper Sachin Tendulkar’s unbeaten 82, India crossed the finish line in the 38th over, winning the first ODI by seven wickets, going up 1-0 in the three match series.
