Vikram Singh

A product of the Under-19 system, VRV Singh first turned heads when he played for Punjab in 2005. A fresh burst of energy in a country teeming with workhorse medium pacers, VRV, a tall, open-chested bowler, insisted that he would never compromise on his speed. Though he struggles to find his radar at times, he is undoubtedly a genuine fast bowler in the making. In his first year of domestic cricket, he played only seven Ranji Trophy matches but took 34 wickets at 20.67 a piece, with a best of 7 for 75. In 2005's Challenger Trophy at Mohali, VRV took three wickets against India B and two against India Seniors to stand out, along with Sreesanth, among the fast-bowling prospects. First called up to the national side for the one-day series against Sri Lanka in late 2005, he failed a fitness test and was promptly ushered out of the squad. As he again approached selection to the Indian team, VRV injured his landing foot and had to undergo rehabilitation. But the selectors maintained their faith in him and called him up for the seven-match ODI series against England in March-April 2006. He made his debut against them at Jamshedpur, but went wicketless for 33 runs from just five overs.

Then came the EurAsia Cup in Abu Dhabi, where VRV bowled impressively to fetch 11 wickets in four matches to stay in the reckoning. He made his Test debut in Antigua, and picked up two wickets in the first innings of a drawn game, and impressed the watching Ian Bishop: "VRV is only a baby; to me he is starting to bowl better with every game."
Jamie Alter June 2006