India lost the U-19 world cup finals to Bangladesh but Ravi Bishnoi stood out with his splendid bowling, almost winning the match for India on a day when none other bowlers appeared to be able to take wickets.
Over the years, U-19 World cup has brought many a talented cricketing youngsters to the world stage. From Indian skipper Virat Kohli to New Zealand’s Kane Williamson and to the destructive David Warner, all came into limelight after exceptional performances in the tournament. One such player who’s grabbed all the headlines post the 2020 edition of the U-19 World Cup is Indian leg spinner Ravi Bishnoi.
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Outstanding display in the U-19 World Cup has ensured a bright future for Bishnoi
Known for his skiddy wrong’uns, Ravi Bishnoi was on fire in the mega event, ending the tournament with 17 wickets, the highest of this season and the most by any Indian in the history of the tournament.
Every time India turned to Bishnoi, the leggie obliged with a wicket. In the game against New Zealand when Kiwi’s, at 53-0 in the 6th over, were cruising towards victory, Bishnoi bowled a brilliant spell and ran through their middle order, handing India an impressive victory.
Earlier, against Japan, he had figures of 4 wickets for 0 runs before ending the match at 4-5 in his 8 overs. In the final against Bangladesh, once again Bishnoi was the man who kept India in the hunt but lack of support from the other bowlers meant that India was unable to defend their title.
Bishnoi’s outstanding display also earned him a place in the ICC’s team of the 2020 U-19 Cricket World Cup. His performance has also made a statement to the selectors that he’s ready to perform at the biggest level, atleast In the T-20 format.
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From getting rejected in the U-16 trials to ending the U-19 World Cup at the highest wicket-taker- His story has been inspirational
Hailing from Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Bishnoi was twice rejected in the U-16 and U-19 trials for Rajasthan. Disappointed but not shattered, he continued to work hard and was selected as a net bowler for Rajasthan Royals.
The session, however, collided with his class XII board exams but Bishnoi, ignoring the advice of his father to appear in the examination, hung around. He didn’t get an opportunity to bowl on the first two days but made an immediate impression as soon he got one.
Later, he got an opportunity to represent Rajasthan in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy where he picked up 8 wickets in 6 List A matches. His performance in the tournament paved way for a selection in the India U-19 World Cup squad.
Bishnoi can be an asset for Kings XI Punjab in IPL 2020
Ravi Bishnoi draws his similarities with Rashid Khan. He bowls a lot of skiddy wrong’uns and can be difficult to score off. Moreover, most of the players in the opposition haven’t played him before thus he can well turn out to be an asset for Kings XI Punjab.
Working with Kumble will groom him as a player
Bishnoi’s stint with Kings will give him an opportunity to work with the leg spin great Anil Kumble, the coach of the franchise.
Playing under the mentorship of Anil Kumble will be a learning curve of the youngster. Kumble’s insights, years of experience and the understanding of the game would augur well for the young leg spinner.
Bishnoi was one among the 5 players charged by the ICC for misbehaving in the final of the ICC U-19 World Cup and looks like a player who need someone to guide him to control his aggression and knowing Kumble, he is just the ideal person for this role.
Pic Credit: Deccan Herald
Recently, Ravi Bishnoi expressed his joy on working with Kumble. “I am very excited that I will get to spend quality time with none other than Anil Kumble Sir during the IPL and my only lookout is to pick his brain and learn as much as I can.
I will look to stay around him and work on the finer areas of my bowling under his guidance,” he said in an interview to IANS.
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