Ravi Bishnoi, one of the most talented spinners at the moment in Indian cricket, has had a dream start at the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. He is the current holder of the Purple Cap, having bagged five wickets in two games at an average of 11.40.
On Saturday, April 4, he bowled a terrific spell to help the inaugural champions defeat the Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Defending a 211-run target, Rajasthan needed wickets at the back end of
the Gujarat innings. The hosts were in a steady position at the end of 10 overs, having scored 103 runs for the loss of just one wicket. However, Bishnoi wreaked havoc, as he bagged four wickets in quick time to give his team the upper hand.
Eventually, the Royals won the high-scoring thriller by six runs. After the match, Bishnoi recalled last season of the IPL, when he played for the Lucknow Super Giants and had a tough outing with the ball. In 11 matches, he picked up just nine wickets, averaging 44.56. After being released by Lucknow following last season, Bishnoi was roped in by the Royals for INR 7.20 crore, and since then, he hasn't looked back.
The 25-year-old revealed that he worked on his lengths after the IPL 2025 debacle and focused on the game's mental, technical, and physical aspects.
"It was a difficult season last year. When I miss my length, I get hit. I was trying to work on my lengths, and if anyone hits off those, then no problem. Mental, technical and physical (effort) all together. Had to bowl a lot of balls (to keep improving)," Bishnoi said during the post-match presentation.
When asked which wicket was his favourite from the four he took on Saturday, Bishnoi named the one of Rahul Tewatia, highlighting its importance as the southpaw is known for finishing matches.
"The wicket of Rahul (Tewatia). He is a player renowned for such situations. If he had not been dismissed then, the match could have gone either way," he added.
Bishnoi refused to take all the credit for the Royals' crucial win. He lauded the efforts of Tushar Deshpande and Jofra Archer and said that the young team that the Royals have will look to entertain in the games to come.
"The way Tushar Deshpande bowled, the way Jofra Archer bowled the 19th, it was a collective effort. It is a young team, and we hope to continue entertaining," he said.
