Rajpal Singh was in the news before the home world cup, as he unitedly led his team's fight for its rights with the hockey administrators.

A long wait for his senior debut ended when, under the tutelage of Rajinder Singh Jr., he travelled to the 2005 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.

[2][3][4] He became captain of national team after replacing Sandeep Singh just before the FIH world cup 2010 in New Delhi but India finished 8th.

[5] Under the captaincy of Rajpal, the Indian team regained their title as they emerged joint winners along with Korea in a rain-affected final at the 19th edition of Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.

[7] He captained the Indian team to the inaugural 2011 Asian Men's Hockey Champions Trophy, which India won by defeating arch-rivals Pakistan in the final.

It is believed that his demotion was imminent as he had led the team's revolt against the federation for giving meager rewards after the Champion's Trophy triumph.