Young spinner Ravi Bishnoi has had a dream week as he received his maiden India call-up for both ODIs and T20Is after being picked by Lucknow Super Giants, the new franchise owned by the RSPG Group, for IPL 2022. After getting named in the India squad for the upcoming home series against West Indies, Bishnoi revealed it was a surreal feeling for him.
Bishnoi, who played under Anil Kumble’s guidance at Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League, recalled how the spin legend helped him along the way. Bishnoi remembers Anil Kumble’s advice on how to execute his plans freely and hopes to follow them. Bishnoi has taken 24 wickets in 23 IPL games at an economy rate of 6.95 runs per over for Punjab Kings in two seasons.
“I have learned a lot from Anil sir, and those lessons have helped me to become a better cricketer. He would always guide me on how to back myself and never lose hope under pressure. Those things were of immense help. He always told me to play to my strengths. The advice was that I should stick to my basics and just execute the plans. There was no experiment. He gave me the confidence to play freely,” Bishnoi was quoted as saying by Sportstar.
“I was waiting for my opportunity. I was preparing myself for the big league and was keeping myself ready so that I can give my hundred percent whenever an opportunity comes my way. My only aim was to keep performing and then wait for my turn,” Bishnoi said.
“With Rahul bhaiya (KL Rahul) leading the team, it will be easier for me to adjust since I have already played under him in Punjab. It is a great opportunity for me to be among the few players to be picked by the franchise before the auction. I want to contribute my best to the team,” he said.
