Ravi Bishnoi Biography: Talented young spinner from Jodhpur

It was the final of the 2020 Under-19 World cup played between India and Bangladesh. Batting first, India was constrained to a low total of 177 and things were quite easy from there for Bangladesh. The chase looked comfortable after a 50-run opening partnership until Ravi Bishnoi made his entrance. Suddenly, Bangladesh collapsed into 65 for 4 and all of those four wickets were of Ravi Bishnoi’s deliveries. But the target set by India was too low for a comeback. Bangladesh won the Under-19 World Cup for the first time in its history, but everyone already knew that the boy from Jodhpur is going to reach great heights.

About Ravi Bishnoi Cricketer

Bishnoi family and early days

Ravi Bishnoi’s story is inspirational in many ways. His father was the headmaster of a local government school. He and his brother used to go out and play cricket on weekends but have to make sure that they’re back at home before father returns in the evening. Meanwhile, his mother was really into cricket and used to watch matches when his father went to school. There weren’t many facilities for professional cricket in Jodhpur so Ravi worked with some of his older friends Pradyot Singh and Shahrukh Pathan to build a cricket academy. Owing to the financial troubles, they themselves carried out the mason work. It took six difficult months to build the academy but they were worried that their efforts would go in vain. Well, they named it Spartans Cricket Academy and it turned out to be the foundation of Ravi Bishnoi’s professional cricket career.  

Ravi has an aggressive style of leg-spin bowling which keeps him apart from normal leg-spinners. Yet, he couldn’t find a place in the U-16 Rajasthan squad. Later he got snubbed twice by the selectors denying his chances of making it into the U-19 squad. His coaches spoke to the officials to earn him one last chance to enter the team and Ravi put out an impressive performance. It was the beginning of his rise to the top stage. In 2018, he got an opportunity to be a net bowler for Rajasthan Royals. He was in a state of dilemma as his 12th Board exam coincided with it. He had to choose between his studies and cricket.

READ | T Natarajan: The mesmerizing tale of an Indian pacer

After a long pondering, he decided to stay at Jaipur to follow his passion. It seemed like his decision backfired when he didn’t get to bowl in the first two days. He thought of going back to attend his exams but his coach insisted him to stay. Soon after the Royals session, Ravi got a call up to make his debut for Rajasthan in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy 2019. In the six List A games and six T20 matches, he scalped a total of 14 wickets with an excellent economy rate. This kickstarted an amazing year ahead for the young leg spinner. He was featured in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy for Rajasthan.

In the same year, he played for India A side in the Deodhar Trophy. Experts and former cricketers compared his bowling style to Indian legend Anil Kumble while Rahul Dravid told this to Bishnoi himself. And in December 2019, Ravi Bishnoi’s name was announced along with the 15-men squad for the Under-19 World Cup.

Under 19 world cup

The U-19 World Cup transformed Ravi Bishnoi into the hottest youngster in the country. He was the leading wicket-taker of the tournament with 17 wickets from six matches including three 4-wicket hauls. His economy rate of 3.48 is one of the best in the World Cup. The performance of 4 for 5 against Japan and 4 for 30 in the final highlighted his extraordinary talent and capability to win matches on his own.

READ | Mohammed Siraj: Story of the remarkable Indian seamer

Ravi Bishnoi IPL journey

Bishnoi Ipl: Even before the U-19 World Cup campaign, Ravi Bishnoi was bought by Punjab Kings for 2 crores. The most surprising thing about him is that unlike many other young players in their first IPL season, Ravi handled pressure match situations with ease. He never went too expensive in any of the matches and got even 12 wickets from 14 matches which is more than good for an IPL debutant. Besides that, playing under the management of Anil Kumble has bigger advantages. Ravi said that Kumble gave valuable advice about showing great character and mental strength throughout the career. He wants to utilize his time with him to improve his bowling techniques and variations.  

Bishnoi had a role of stopping the flow of runs in the middle overs for Punjab Kings. He did that job pretty well on most occasions. In the 2021 season, Punjab Kings didn’t start Ravi in some of their initial matches despite a good first season. He played four matches in the 2021 season and claimed four wickets. Ravi is set to be the go-to spinner for Punjab Kings in the remaining of the season and upcoming seasons as well. Due to the overflow of talented spinners from IPL and the domestic circuit, Ravi Bishnoi has a long way to go to wear the Indian cap.

READ | Varun Chakravarthy: First-Ever Indian Mystery Spinner To Play IPL

Ravi Bishnoi Bowling Stats 

Ravi Bishnoi Batting Stats 

FAQ’s

• Ravi Bishnoi IPL price

INR 2 crores by Punjab Kings for the year 2021.

• Ravi Bishnoi IPL 2021 team

Punjab Kings

Ravi Bishnoi Photos

READ | Kamlesh Nagarkoti – The Young Bowling Sensation In Indian Cricket Team

For more updates on Indian sports, stories stay tuned to KreedOn, the voice of Indian sports.