A trusted face of Jharkhand cricket
Jamshedpur may be best known as Jharkhand's industrial hub, but the city has also produced a steady line of cricketers — and few have shone brighter than Virat Binod Singh. The left-handed batsman has piled up runs across the Ranji Trophy, the Vijay Hazare Trophy and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, cementing his place as one of the state's most dependable willow-wielders. Today he is far more than a batsman; he has grown into one of the defining figures of Jharkhand cricket.
A new league, a bigger role
In 2026 the state is hosting its very first Jharkhand T20 League, and it is in this tournament that Virat Singh has been handed the captaincy of the Chhotanagpur Royals. The side walked out under his leadership in the league's opening fixture as well — a clear sign of how strongly the Jharkhand cricket body backs him. The competition has been launched to give the state's cricketers a larger stage, and six franchise teams are battling it out.
The auction headline-maker
At the auction table, it was Virat Singh who drew much of the attention. He was bought for Rs 13 lakh, a price that placed him among the most expensive players of the tournament. Only two names went higher — Robin Minz, who fetched Rs 15.25 lakh, and Ishan Kishan, who was picked up for Rs 14.7 lakh. That hefty bid was no accident; it reflected Virat's years of experience, his consistency on the field and his ability to lead a side from the front. After so many seasons in domestic cricket, he has also become a role model for the younger crop of players.
The journey that began in Jamshedpur
Virat's cricketing story started in the lanes of Jamshedpur. He broke into the Jharkhand Under-19 side at a young age and went on to represent India's Under-19 and Under-23 teams. National recognition arrived when he turned out for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL. His record is dotted with memorable knocks — centuries in the Ranji Trophy and match-winning innings in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Hopes riding on his captaincy
Virat Singh is now counted among Jharkhand's most experienced cricketers, and the Chhotanagpur Royals are expected to fare better under his command. The team has already registered wins in its recent outings, lifting the camp's morale. Cricket experts believe his experience and calm, composed leadership could keep the side firmly in the title race.
A proud moment for the city
It is a matter of no small pride for Jamshedpur that one of its own is leading a team in the state's biggest T20 league. Virat Singh's rise stands as proof that talent, hard work and discipline can carry a player to any height. In the matches ahead, fans will be watching both his bat and his captaincy closely, because he has firmly established himself as the new face of Jharkhand cricket.
