'I Didn't Perform Well Last IPL': Ravi Bishnoi Details Hard Work For India Comeback

Ravi Bishnoi believes that a year of hard work, self-reflection, and refining his bowling lengths has helped him seize an unexpected opportunity and rekindle his T20 World Cup aspirations after being overlooked by the Indian team.

Reflecting on the past year, he focused on his poor performance in the IPL, where he managed just nine wickets from 11 matches at an average of over 44.

These disappointing results affected his team, the Sanjiv Goenka-owned side, which missed the playoffs and finished seventh in the standings. Consequently, he was released by the franchise but found a fresh start when Rajasthan Royals bought him for Rs 7.20 crore at this year’s auction.

“The work I did in the past year was on my lengths because I didn’t perform well in the IPL

last season. I lacked control over my lengths and lines. That’s why it was tough for me,” he admitted.

“I aimed to bowl in the 5-6 metres length on the stumps as it’s hard to hit from those lengths, and I did my best.”

The 25-year-old wrist leg-spinner, who last played for India against England in February last year, was not initially part of the squad for the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand. He was included only after spin all-rounder Washington Sundar suffered a side strain earlier this month.

With Washington racing against time to be fit for the T20 World Cup, Bishnoi, although a specialist spinner, has made a strong case for himself.

India already has an established spin line-up with vice-captain Axar Patel, Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, and Washington, making opportunities scarce.

Bishnoi grabbed his chance in the third T20I, returning impressive figures of 2/18 and dismissing the dangerous Mark Chapman (32) and Glenn Phillips (48) in successive spells to disrupt New Zealand’s middle overs.

His precise lengths and pace through the air stood out as the visitors were restricted to a modest 153/9 before India chased it down in just 10 overs, achieving an eight-wicket win and an unassailable 3-0 lead.

“Yes, it is difficult when you’re away from the side; you feel like you should be there but you’re not,” Bishnoi said after the match on Sunday.

“This Indian team is very strong, with very few spots available, so opportunities are limited. The time away allowed me to work on myself extensively.”

He returned to Jodhpur, played domestic cricket—Vijay Hazare, Syed Mushtaq Ali T20s, and two Ranji matches—and focused on improving his lengths after a disappointing IPL season for Lucknow Super Giants.

“All those efforts helped me a lot to make a comeback,” said Bishnoi, who took nine wickets in seven games in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

“As a bowler, T20 games are always challenging. Jassi Bhai (Bumrah) bowled well, Hardik Bhai (Pandya) bowled well, Harshit (Rana) also took early wickets. If we take two or three early wickets, it becomes challenging for the batting team,” he said about the match.

He admitted feeling nervous about the opportunity.

“I was a little nervous but also excited about the chance. The nervous energy was there because you get fewer opportunities and have to perform in them.”

“In the past year, I’ve focused on making it difficult for batsmen to hit my deliveries. If the speed of my bowling varies, it becomes easier for batsmen to hit.”

“I aim to bowl at a good length. If the ball lands in that length at the right speed, it’s challenging for batsmen.”

“I bowl according to my body’s rhythm. It’s not about bowling faster or slower than 100 kmph; it’s about how I feel on a given day.”

Bishnoi also praised India’s batting dominance, especially Abhishek Sharma’s impressive form.

“Abhishek’s current form is exceptional. It’s vital for India. He has worked hard, practicing for hours in the nets. If he continues like this, matches could end early as it happened today.”