A qualified automotive engineer finds his profession in his undying passion for the game of cricket. Just when he is all set to launch a thriving career as an cricketing allrounder, injury renders him inactive for a while. Not willing to lose touch with the game even during the forced hiatus, he starts training as an umpire and qualifies as an England & Wales Cricket Board Umpire. Thus begins a career in umpiring which seems his calling in life in hindsight, a field position of authority, responsibility and respect that he aptly describes as the ‘best seat in the house’.
Ranbir Singh’s name is a fusion of two iconic Bollywood identities, Ranbir Kapoor and Ranvir Singh, and although he has nothing to do with the razzle dazzle of tinsel town, his incredible life story is rich material for a biopic for sure. It all began in Nahal, a sleepy hamlet of Jalandhar district in the Indian state of Punjab. Ranbir fondly recalls his childhood days: “Luckily, my generation spent quality time in playgrounds and fields and there were no phones and computers to contaminate our minds. Back then, life was simple and relaxed; since hearts were way bigger than houses, the epitome of Punjabi culture, there was great love between neighbours and communities. I am still in touch with my childhood buddies from the neighbourhood and school. Wish there was a time machine to take me back to my carefree school days!”
How and when did cricket come into his life?
His answer comes in a jiffy.
“It was always around, beginning with gully cricket in the neighbourhood and later at an academy in Lohian, some distance away from my native place. I joined Punjab Cricket Association in 2007 as a shy, timid lad unaware of professional cricket. I started my cricket career as a fast bowler who used to be scared of the ball and bat at number 11 but slowly, I started to focus on batting with the help of my coaches. The first time I played on a proper cricket pitch, I was terrified of facing fast bowlers. I am sure my coaches and teammates saw some spark in me as a bowling allrounder. I have immense gratitude for all of them and I carry a truckload of great memories from my PCA tours around India.”
And when did he turn to automotive engineering only to shun it for cricket?
“I chose automotive engineering given my passion for cars and my affinity for and ability in drawing and designing. I was always a diligent student at school and college. In fact, I passed with 82% percent and 3rd in my class. That explains my twin degrees: B. Tech, Automobile/Automotive Mechanics from Punjab Technical University and Bachelor's degree in Automotive Engineering Technology from the University of Wolverhampton.”
But cricket still continued despite the degree and brief employment stints into customer service and technical profiles as technician and mechanic?
Yes! The first time I moved to the UK in 2010, a family friend introduced me to the Fenners Cricket Club. People at the club was very helpful and friendly. From the club chairman to the captain and teammates, all welcomed me with open arms. They never let me feel like a foreigner in the club.
When I came back to England in 2017, I joined Beverly Town Cricket Club and I relished every moment there. My highest score with the bat was 113 and 8 for 13 runs was my best bowling figures. Somewhere along the way, I clearly saw my career path evolving between the proverbial 22 yards.
And then came the jolt..
“Yes. It was a bolt from the blue. During the 2019 season, I sustained a shoulder injury and a surgery put me off cricket for a while. But even during that lull, I wanted to be involved in the game and I developed a liking for umpiring, largely thanks to the indirect influence of the legend Simon Taufel. I started training as umpire and completed the stage 1 and stage 2 courses with ECB. I did my level one with the ICC Academy Umpire Programme which was designed by Simon. Fortunately I’ve had the chance to speak to Simon many times, such a humble guy who is always ready to help young umpires.
I am indebted to my mentor Ismail khan, an amazing human being, who has been like a father figure, who motivated me to deliver my best against all odds.
What influence has Simon Taufel has had on you?
I think he is one of the best the game of cricket has seen. Every page of his book ‘Finding the Gaps’ has some tip one can apply in everyday life. I shudder each time I read his highly evocative account of the the 2009 terror attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore that changed the game of cricket forever. How he overcame the terror and looked past it is truly inspiring, befitting his stature as the ICC Umpire of the Year for five consecutive years. I regularly watch his vintage matches on YouTube and try to pick tips and tricks from Simon. There’s a wealth of insights lurking in his movements, on the spur decision making, and man management skills.
Who are the other umpires you hold in high esteem?
I was not lucky to see Dickie Bird in action, but I have read his book and learnt a lot from it. Michael Gough is one of the best in business among the current crop. He is always calm and takes good time before announcing his verdicts. Ian Gould is another inspiration, so is Aleem Dar.
You seem to have a soft corner for fast bowlers. Any favourites?
Yes, having been a former fast bowler, I am very happy when I see pace bowlers with subtle variations and consistent line and length. We have such a great talent pool of bowlers across the globe and picking one one over others is tough but I am a fan of Jasprit Bumrah; he’s a very clever bowler. He’s got some amazing skills which help him produce great results even in unfavourable conditions. He is a genuine match winner. Of the talent I have seen here in the UK, I like the control Kashif Ali from Pakistan shows with the new ball. I also admire the elongated run up of Ethan Carrington. Then, there’s this young sensation from Barbados Romario Roach, for me, he is the next Jofra Archer.
What in your reckoning are the greatest challenges facing an umpire?
Rain-affected games are often very frustrating especially in the case of tight situations when both teams are equally anxious and look up to the umpire for magic solutions that don’t really exist. If one thinks the ump can make everyone happy on the cricket field, then one is sadly mistaken. All he or she can can do is to maintain clear and seamless communication with all stakeholders including fellow umpires, scorers, ground staff, and captains and players of both teams. Co-existence with technology is a key challenge. A technology like the DRS system is good but when the ball hits the stumps anyhow, the batsman should be declared OUT, thereby eliminating the controversies and complexities surrounding the umpire’s call. The game can do without the furious debates and negativity that spreads in consequence. Having said that, awesome tools like snicko meter, hawk eye, and light meter have been nothing short of game changers.
What are your passion pursuits?
I love reading, and BIBLE is my favourite epic. ‘Finding the Gaps’ by Simon Taufel and ‘A Life that Wins’ by Watchman Nee are second favourites. I travel a lot and my much-loved destinations include New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland and Australia. I am a fitness freak and extremely diet conscious. While I walk a lot and spend good time in the gym, veggies are an integral part of my diet plan. And last but not the least, I love vintage cars and you already know why!
Looking back, would it be right to say that umpiring was a destined career for you, chosen by the Almighty…
Absolutely! As the Bible says, all things happen for the good. Long back, I had officiated as an umpire in a few local tournaments in India. That was a play of destiny as I see it now in hindsight! To quote JOHN 13:7: “Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.”