Ravi Bishnoi is a young leg-spinner from India who has impressed everyone with his skill, temperament, and variations. He is currently the world’s top-ranked T20I bowler and a key member of the Indian team in the shortest format. He plays for Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League and Gujarat in domestic cricket. He first came into the limelight when he played for India in the 2020 Under-19 Cricket World Cup, finishing as the tournament’s highest wicket-taker with 17 dismissals.
Bishnoi was born and raised in the Birami village of Jodhpur, Rajasthan. His father Mangilal Bishnoi was the headmaster of a local government school and his mother Sohni Devi was a homemaker. He belongs to the Bishnoi community, which is known for its love for nature and wildlife.
From Medium Pacer to Leg-spinner:
He started playing cricket at a young age and developed a passion for the game. He used to travel on his bicycle to his academy, which was 20 km away from his home. He initially bowled medium-fast, but switched to leg-spin on the advice of his coach Shahrukh Pathan.
Overcame Lack of Facilities by Building His Own Academy
Due to the lack of cricket culture and facilities in West Rajasthan, he and his friends built a cricket academy named Spartans Cricket Academy, where they did most of the mason work themselves. He faced many rejections and hardships in his early career, but he never gave up on his dream. He was called up by Rajasthan Royals as a net bowler in 2018 and caught the attention of some prominent cricketers. He represented Rajasthan in various age-group tournaments and made his senior debut in 2019.
Picked By Kings XI Punjab in the 2020 IPL Auction
He was picked by Kings XI Punjab in the 2020 IPL auction for INR 2 crore and made his IPL debut in the same year. He performed well in his maiden season, taking 12 wickets and earning a nomination for the Emerging Player award.
International Debut and Rise to Prominence:
He made his international debut in February 2022, in a T20I match against West Indies. He soon established himself as a regular member of the T20I squad and played a vital role in India’s successful campaigns in the 2022 Asia Cup and the 2023 T20 World Cup.
Became India’s Leading Wicket Taker
He was the leading wicket-taker for India in both the tournaments, with 12 and 16 wickets respectively. He also became the first Indian bowler to take four wickets in a T20 World Cup match, when he achieved the feat against Ireland in the Super 12 stage. He made his ODI debut in October 2022, against South Africa, and took his maiden wicket in the same match.
Playing Style and Future:
Bishnoi has a variety of deliveries in his arsenal, such as the leg-break, the googly, the flipper, and the slider. He bowls with a high-arm action and generates good turn and bounce. He is also a handy lower-order batsman and a brilliant fielder.
All-rounder and Aggressive Fielder:
He is known for his aggression and confidence on the field, as well as his humility and respect off it. He is a fan of Virat Kohli and Shane Warne and considers Anil Kumble as his idol.
Potential Successor to Chahal:
Bishnoi has a bright future ahead of him and is being seen as a potential successor to Yuzvendra Chahal in the T20I format. He is also aiming to play for India in all formats and win matches for his country.
Aiming for All-format Career:
He is currently preparing for the upcoming series against South Africa and New Zealand, where he will look to continue his good form and cement his place in the team. He is also one of the most sought-after players in the IPL and will be a key asset for his franchise Lucknow Super Giants in the 2024 season. He is a rising star of Indian cricket and a source of inspiration for many young cricketers in the country.
