NEW DELHI: Robin Singh, born in Princes Town, Trinidad and Tobago, became an influential figure in Indian cricket despite having a brief Test career. As the first West Indies-born player to represent India in Test cricket, Robin's journey was marked by determination and resilience.
Although Robin's solitary Test match in 1989 resulted in a 61-run loss for India, with him scoring 15 and 12, he found his niche in the limited-overs format.
He emerged as an indispensable member of the Indian ODI team, renowned for his tenacious batting, nimble fielding, and effective medium-pace bowling. His versatility proved invaluable during the 1990s, particularly in India's 1999 Cricket World Cup campaign.
Robin's ability to anchor the middle order and make substantial contributions with the ball made him a dependable asset.
Throughout his ODI career, he amassed over 2,000 runs and claimed 69 wickets in 136 matches.
Following his retirement in 2004, Robin embarked on a coaching career, where he made a significant impact.
Starting with India's junior and A teams, he played a crucial role in nurturing the future stars of Indian cricket. His expertise in fielding led to his appointment as India's national team fielding coach, where he successfully elevated the team's fielding standards.
AFP Photo
Robin's coaching journey also brought him back to his roots in the Caribbean, where he took charge of teams in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).
Furthermore, he became an integral part of the coaching staff for the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL), contributing to their triumphs with his strategic insights.
Robin's lasting impact on Indian cricket, both as a player and a coach, is undeniable. His remarkable journey from Trinidad to becoming a legend in Indian cricket serves as an inspiration to many.
