Rudra Pratap Singh was all set to fly back home after the one-day series against Bangladesh. But good fortune came in the form of a calf injury to S Sreesanth, who flew back home on Wednesday with the one-day ‘specialists,’ and the powers that be decided to keep the left-arm paceman for the Test series, beginning on Friday.
Determined to make the most of the opportunity and make a fresh beginning at the top level. Rudra Pratap rated his stint with Leicestershire as one that caused the turnaround.
"I never thought I would get to play County cricket, but when the offer came, I did not have to think much. I have heard so much about learning the game in the conditions in England and it has been a good experience even though I have played only two matches," he said.

Tough grind
"I was mentally prepared for the tough grind of county cricket. Since it was off-season for us, it was good that I got an opportunity to play in England. I wanted to challenge myself in difficult conditions because I want to improve. I know if I work hard on my fitness and skills, I can improve and that was the only reason why I opted to play in the County circuit," he added.
Though Rudra Pratap had little time to adjust to English conditions, he did not disappoint his employers and captured three wickets in his first match against Nottinghamshire in Trent Bridge.
"I knew I had to be patient because the pitch was flat. The bounce was even and the batsmen had the advantage.
“I had to work hard for the three wickets, but it was a satisfying effort," he said.
Rudra Pratap had an even better outing in the second game against Somerset, where he took five wickets including former Australian opener Justin Langer and England opener Marcus Trescothick. "I was happy because I was able to move the ball and I bowled a better line than in the first match."

Variety
The young pace bowler is a mature player these days and understands the importance of variety more than pace. "It is not that I have compromised on pace, but it makes sense to have variety.
“These days, there is so much of analysis that one has to keep thinking all the time. I have my limitations, but I am learning to make the most of what I have. I can't experiment in a match situation, so I concentrate on developing my variety at the `nets' and then try them out in a match," he said.
After the Test series against Bangladesh, he will return to County cricket. "I like the challenge of being known as a professional, and of being required to perform like one. It is tough because the professionals in the other teams also give their best against you. One gets only two days’ in a week.
“It can be a tough grind -- a four-day match, a one-day match and a Twenty-20 contest, all in a week's time. But it is enjoyable."