IND vs NZ Star Ravi Bishnoi at IPL 2026 Auction: Who Won the Bidding War?

Ravi Bishnoi's rise as one of India's most dependable white-ball spinners continued in Guwahati, where he delivered a match-defining spell in India's eight-wicket win over New Zealand in the third T20I.

Bowling with clarity and control, the leg-spinner returned figures of 2/18 in four overs, using his lengths and pace through the air to stifle scoring on a batting-friendly surface. New Zealand were restricted to 153/9, a total India chased comfortably, with Bishnoi's discipline setting the tone.

That same control and reliability were on display a few days later in the IPL 2026 auction, where Bishnoi emerged as one of the most sought-after Indian spinners on the board.

Rajasthan Royals Secure Ravi Bishnoi for ₹7.20 Crore

Ravi Bishnoi was bought by the Rajasthan Royals for ₹7.20 crore at the IPL 2026 auction in Abu Dhabi. Entering the auction with a base price of ₹2 crore, Bishnoi immediately attracted attention, with Rajasthan opening the bidding and Chennai Super Kings quickly joining the contest.

CSK steadily raised the bid, backed by a healthy purse, forcing Rajasthan into brief retreats before re-entering at key moments. When CSK appeared to have backed away at ₹5.8 crore, Sunrisers Hyderabad stepped in late, pushing the price higher and reigniting the bidding. Rajasthan Royals ultimately held their nerve, closing the deal at ₹7.20 crore when no further bids followed.

The Royals later confirmed Bishnoi as their first purchase of the auction, underlining how central he was to their plans.

Why Rajasthan Royals Wanted Bishnoi

Bishnoi strengthens Rajasthan's spin unit at a time when Indian leg-spinners who combine control with wicket-taking ability are increasingly valuable. Known for his quick release, flat trajectory, and deceptive googly, Bishnoi has developed into a bowler captains trust both inside the powerplay and at the death.

For Rajasthan, his signing also carries a symbolic return. Bishnoi was born in Rajasthan and made his T20 debut for the state in the 2018-19 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, even though he now represents Gujarat in the domestic circuit. The franchise sees him as a long-term option who can anchor their spin attack across seasons.

Bishnoi's Recent Form and Credentials

At the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025-26, Bishnoi picked up nine wickets in seven matches for Gujarat at an economy rate of 8.40, maintaining control on flat domestic tracks. He played the 2025 IPL season with Lucknow Super Giants, having previously represented Punjab Kings, making Rajasthan his third IPL franchise.

Across 77 IPL matches, Bishnoi has taken 72 wickets at an economy of 8.21, with best figures of 3/24. While those numbers underline consistency rather than explosive hauls, his value lies in controlling middle overs and breaking partnerships.

Internationally, Bishnoi's stock has risen sharply. Since his debut in 2022, he has played 42 T20Is for India, taking 61 wickets at an average of 19.37 and an economy of 7.35. Late in 2023, he briefly became the world No.1 T20I bowler in the ICC rankings following a Player of the Series performance against Australia.

What This Move Signals

Rajasthan Royals' investment in Bishnoi reflects a broader trend: Indian franchises prioritising bowlers who offer repeatable skills rather than matchup-dependent options. Bishnoi's ability to hit hard lengths, vary pace subtly, and stay effective on batting-friendly pitches makes him a low-risk, high-utility signing.

Coming off a strong international showing against New Zealand, Bishnoi enters IPL 2026 not just as a squad player, but as a bowler expected to shape games. Rajasthan's early and decisive move suggests they see him as a core piece, not just for one season, but for the cycles ahead.