Young leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi finally got the deserved reward for his performances in the India U19 team and the two seasons of the Indian Premier League as he was called up in the Indian T20I and ODI squads for the upcoming home series against West Indies which will be played in February.
The 21-year-old from Rajasthan was recently roped in by the new Indian Premier League franchise Lucknow Super Giants as its third player, and his joy was doubled after his maiden India call-up.
“It has been an interesting journey and it is a great honor to don the India colors. It is a proud moment for me and it feels great to see your dream come true,” Bishnoi told Sportstar.
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He made his IPL debut for Punjab Kings in the 2020 edition and he picked up 12 wickets in 14 games and earned praise from his teammates and former cricketers. Before that, he had impressed one and all with his wicket-taking ability for the India U19 team in the 2020 Youth World Cup in South Africa.
The youngster picked 12 wickets in the second season for Punjab Kings and credited his coaches Shah Rukh Khan Pathan and Pradyot Singh - and PBKS coach Anil Kumble for backing him throughout his journey.
“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 percent whenever an opportunity comes my way. My only aim was to keep performing and then wait for my turn.
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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 said.
Ravi Bishnoi was also elated to be picked by the Lucknow Super Giants which will be captained by KL Rahul, reuniting the leggie with his Punjab Kings skipper in the new franchise.
“With Rahul bhaiya (KL Rahul) leading the team, it will be easier for me to adjust since I have already played under him in Punjab. It is a great opportunity for me to be among the few players to be picked by the franchise before the auction. I want to contribute my best to the team,” he said.
(Sportstar inputs)
