Manipur's Rex Singh derives inspiration from India U19 coach Rahul Dravid

The 18-year-old wonder kid from Manipur, Rex Singh made the headlines when he entered the rare club of bowlers who have bagged all 10 wickets in an innings. He achieved the feat playing against Arunachal Pradesh in the Cooch Behar Trophy last year, in December. He also played two Ranji Trophy matches for Manipur in the 2018-19 season. 

He also made a massive mark when he was recently selected for the Under-19 India team for two unofficial Tests against South Africa. Hence creating history as he became the first cricketer from Manipur to be selected for a representative India side. Manipur has in fact produced gems as far as Indian Sports is concerned.

Just as the likes of Mary Kom, Dingko Singh to Mirabai Chanu, various sportspersons from Manipur have made India proud at the international level and became familiar names. Stars from Manipur have shone in the Olympics as well but the Northeastern state had not graced Cricket in a long long time.

Rex first ever noteworthy cricketer from Manipur

So it’s undeniably true that Rex Singh is the first ever noteworthy cricketer from Manipur and given to current performances it’s apparent that he is here to stay. Rahul Dravid gave him an opportunity to play in the second unofficial Test, wherein Rex rendered with a four-wicket haul in the second innings. The India U19 team recorded a massive victory of an innings and 158 runs to clinch the series with a 2-0 win.

The Imphal born Rex Singh says that his strength has been his inswingers that have often bewildered the batsmen in age-group cricket. Speaking to FirstPost about his success on his U-19 debut for India he said, “I was very excited for my U-19 debut but at the same time, I was nervous as it was my first international match. I tried to overcome my nervousness and play normally. It was a great learning experience.”

The left-arm pacer mentioned that amidst everything the biggest honour is to be able to work under coach Dravid. “I am very fortunate to play under Rahul Dravid sir. He is very calm and has a charming personality. He explained to me in detail what to do and what not. I am not very fast, so he advised me to maintain my strength (swing) and told not to try many things as my height is under average. He told me to focus on fitness and training,” said the prodigy from Manipur.

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