Kings XI Punjab’s (KXIP) young spinner Ravi Bishnoi has hailed KXIP mentor and head coach Anil Kumble’s influence after the franchise registered a massive win of 97-run against the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in their second game in the ongoing IPL 2020.
After suffering a defeat in the opening clash against Delhi Capitals, KXIP made an incredible comeback in their second encounter of the IPL 2020 against the RCB – firstly they posted a massive target of 207 runs, thanks to the fabulous 132* by captain KL Rahul and then the spinners’ magic done the job for the team.
Chasing 206, RCB could not cross even 110-mark, surrendered themselves at 109 inside 17 overs as KXIP spinners Bishnoi and Murugan Ashwin picked up three wickets each to won the game by 97 runs on Thursday (September 24) in Dubai. KXIP is currently leading the IPL 23 points table.
Against the RCB, Bishnoi showed his class by bowling aggressively and got the wickets of Aaron Finch, Washington Sundar, and Umesh Yadav, while his fellow wrist-spinner M Ashwin also picked three wickets one of them was that of AB de Villiers.
Following the thrilling victory over RCB, the 20-year-old Bishnoi lauded the presence of Kumble, the greatest Indian leg-spinner, at the KXIP dressing room in the IPL 2020.
Bishnoi said in the post-match press conference: “Anil sir taught me to back my skills and strength with a cool and calm mind. We had a long camp before the IPL so the preparation was good. We were focusing on mental strength and not bowling lose balls.”
The young spinner further added, “It’s more about mental preparations; skill levels are almost identical at this level. The one who is mentally stronger or braver succeeds. My focus was on not giving away loose deliveries and allow them to attack me.”
He signed off, “We did not go out to bowl thinking we have a target over 200 to defend. Rather we thought we had to defend 180 and the intention was to get them out as soon as we can.”
(With Reuters Inputs)
