Mumbai: Leg spinner Ravi Bishnoi has recently earned his maiden call up to the Indian limited-overs side as the BCCI named an 18-member squad for the upcoming home series against West Indies.
After getting picked for the national squad for the upcoming home series, the budding player recalled how legendary spinner Anil Kumble helped him during his stint with him in Punjab Kings along the way. Bishnoi still remembers the valuable advice given to him by Kumble and hopes to adhere to it.
Bishnoi was rewarded a place in the side for his brilliant outing in IPL 2021 where he picked up 12 wickets for the Punjab Kings franchise. India has also been searching for wrist spinners after a poor performance in the recent ODI series against South Africa, which they lost 0-3. Bishnoi, who possesses immense skills sets with a lot of variations up his sleeve, comes in the team as an new and exciting prospect.
Bishnoi credited the former spinner Kumble for having a big impact on his growth as a cricketer. He noted that Kumble always advised him to stick to his strengths and to believe in himself in any pressure situation which worked out really well. Kumble is among the greatest spinners to have played the game and he is still India’s highest wicket-taker in both Tests and ODIs.
“I have learned a lot from Anil sir, and those lessons have helped me in becoming 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 told Sportstar.
However, the 21-year-old might face tough competition from the likes of experienced leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, who will also be fighting for a spot in the side and hence the youngster needs to make the most out of his opportunities.
Bishnoi also expressed that he had been preparing himself for this much-awaited opportunity and hoped to grab his chance. “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 per cent whenever an opportunity comes my way. My only aim was to keep performing and then wait for my turn,” the 21-year-old added.
Bishnoi has been picked by the Lucknow Super Giants franchise ahead of IPL 2022 as the third draft and will be joining his former Punjab Kings skipper KL Rahul. The leggie bought by the Lucknow franchise with a price money of INR 4 Crores.
