Kings XI Punjab's young leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi has reiterated his happiness for being able to live his dream to work with his idol Anil Kumble ahead of his debut Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 season, starting on 19th September in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The young gun is currently gearing up for the upcoming IPL 2020 under the watchful eyes of his hero Kumble, KXIP’s Director of Cricket and head coach, in Dubai.
Hailing Indian spin legend and former head coach as one of the greatest spinners in the world, Bishnoi insisted he is trying to learn everything whatever he can from Kumble.
Bishnoi said in an interview from Dubai: “I never thought that someday I will get a chance to work with the legend because I have only seen him on television. I'm really lucky I have him as the head coach of our team. It is a big opportunity for me and I am trying to pick his brain as much as I can.”
The 19-year-old spinner further added, “He is one of the greatest spinners in the world, so I am trying to learn a lot of things from him and his experience. Whether it's his match temperament, skills, how he handled the match situation, how he bowled the flippers, I am trying to learn all of that from him. Right now I have time to learn from him and this is the best opportunity for me. Kumble sir has told me to bowl according to the match situation and do what I think I can do.”
Meanwhile, Bishnoi, who took 17 wickets from six matches at the U-19 World Cup 2020, also lauded KXIP captain KL Rahul, while saying the franchise can win the IPL title this year.
He further noted, “Rahul is a good player as well as a good captain. In the nets, he goes to every player and talks and shares his experience. So far, it has been great talking to him and I am excited to play under his captaincy. The setup of the team is also very good. All the players are looking in a good rhythm. Our team is a contender for the title.”
Read Also: IPL 2020: Journey of Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) in IPL in numbers
Hailing the IPL as the world’s toughest league given the presence of the biggest players of the world, Bishnoi feels the upcoming IPL 13 will be a little more challenging season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The spinner further explained, “IPL is a big stage where the biggest players of the world participate. So it is the most difficult cricket league in the world. Due to Covid-19, it has become more difficult because you always have to stay vigilant, both inside and outside the field, so that nothing untoward happens. So it's a little challenging than before.”
Bishnoi signed off by saying, “For me, IPL is a great opportunity. I will just try to make my team win whenever I get a chance to play. I don't want to think too much about the future. I want to try to do well by staying in the present.”
Noteworthy, KXIP will begin their IPL 2020 campaign against Delhi Capitals on September 20.
(With TOI/ IANS Inputs)
