Ravi Bishnoi Attributes T20I Comeback to Intensive Length Control Work After IPL Struggles
Indian leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi has opened up about how a year of dedicated self-improvement, particularly focusing on refining his bowling lengths, has unexpectedly revived his T20 World Cup aspirations. The 25-year-old cricketer, who last represented India in February 2023 against England, found himself out of national contention following a challenging Indian Premier League season.
From IPL Disappointment to Domestic Grind
Bishnoi's 2024 IPL campaign with Lucknow Super Giants proved difficult, as he managed just nine wickets from eleven matches at an average exceeding 44. These underwhelming returns contributed to the Sanjiv Goenka-owned franchise missing the playoffs and finishing seventh in the standings. Subsequently released by the team, Bishnoi found a fresh opportunity when Rajasthan Royals acquired him for ₹7.20 crore in this year's auction.
"The work I have done in the last one year was on my lengths because I didn't do so well in the IPL last season," Bishnoi admitted. "I didn't have much control over my lengths and my lines in the last season. That's why it was tough for me."
He returned to Jodhpur, immersing himself in domestic cricket through the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Syed Mushtaq Ali T20s, and two Ranji Trophy matches. This period allowed him to concentrate on bowling in the crucial 5-6 metre length on the stumps, a zone where batsmen typically find it challenging to score freely.
Seizing an Unexpected Opportunity
Originally not part of India's plans for the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand, Bishnoi received a late call-up after spin all-rounder Washington Sundar suffered a side strain earlier this month. With Washington racing against time to regain fitness for the T20 World Cup, Bishnoi's specialist spin skills suddenly became relevant again.
In the third T20I, Bishnoi capitalized on this fortunate chance, delivering impressive figures of 2/18. His precision lengths and pace through the air proved instrumental as he removed the dangerous Mark Chapman (32) and Glenn Phillips (48) in successive spells, derailing New Zealand's middle overs. India ultimately restricted the visitors to 153/9 before chasing down the target in just ten overs for an eight-wicket victory and an unassailable 3-0 series lead.
Navigating Limited Opportunities in a Strong Squad
"Yes, it is difficult when you are away from the side, you feel like you should be there but you are not," Bishnoi reflected after the match in Guwahati. "This Indian team is very strong and there are very few spots available so limited opportunities. It was good because I had time to work on myself, I did a lot of work on myself."
He acknowledged feeling nervous about his rare opportunity, stating, "I was a little nervous. I was also excited because I got the opportunity. But at the same time, there was nervousness as well. You get one less opportunity and you have to perform in that."
Technical Adjustments and Future Outlook
Bishnoi emphasized his technical focus over the past year: "In the last one year, I have done the same thing that I don't give the ball so easily. Because the pace I have in bowling, if it goes up and down, it becomes very easy for the batsman to go down and hit the ball. So, I tried to bowl at a good length. If the ball falls in that length at the speed, it is very difficult to hit the ball from that place."
He also praised India's batting dominance in the series, particularly highlighting Abhishek Sharma's explosive form. "The way Abhishek is playing at the moment touch wood... It's required for India as well. It has not happened just like that. He has put in hard yards, he practices for hours at the nets you may have seen," Bishnoi remarked.
With nine wickets in seven Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy games demonstrating his improved form, Bishnoi's renewed focus on length control has not only earned him a national recall but has significantly bolstered his prospects for the upcoming T20 World Cup selection.
