Former India spinner Laxman Sivaramakrishnan has criticized Ravi Bishnoi after the leg-spinner's expensive spell in the Asian Games final against Pakistan. Sivaramakrishnan said Bishnoi should not play matches while working on his bowling run-up, arguing that technical issues need to be addressed in training.
Bishnoi came under fire after conceding 44 runs in three overs against Pakistan, who chased India's target of 211 in the Asian Games final. Despite that performance, he remained in India's squad for the five-match T20I series against the West Indies. However, Kuldeep Yadav played ahead of Bishnoi in the series opener.
Laxman Sivaramakrishnan Questions Ravi Bishnoi
Laxman Sivaramakrishnan questioned Bishnoi's decision to work on his bowling technique during competitive matches. He believes international fixtures are not the right setting for a bowler to correct fundamental issues, which should be addressed during training.
“If Ravi Bishnoi is working on his run-up, he should not be playing matches,” Sivaramakrishnan wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).
If Ravi Bishnoi is working on his Run up, he should not be playing matches. https://t.co/CHFCrQoQsw
— Laxman Sivaramakrishnan (@LaxmanSivarama1) October 9, 2026
During the second T20I against England at Old Trafford in July, Bishnoi bowled three back-foot no-balls. He later worked with former India spinner Sunil Joshi at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, where he realigned his run-up to correct the issue.
Ravi Bishnoi's Numbers Have Declined Since Reaching No. 1
Ravi Bishnoi made a strong start to his international career in 2022, taking 17 wickets at an average of 17.13 and an economy rate of 7.09. He continued his good form in 2023, claiming 18 wickets at an average of 17.61 and an economy rate of 7.20. He reached the top of the ICC Men's T20I Bowling Rankings in December 2023.
However, his numbers have declined since then. His average rose to 20.86 in 2024 and 26.40 in 2025. After conceding 44 runs against Pakistan, his average for 2026 stands at 31.10. His economy rate has also increased to 8.60, while his bowling strike rate has risen from 14.50 balls per wicket in 2022 to 21.70 in 2026.
Bishnoi has also become more expensive in the IPL. He conceded 6.39 runs per over in 2021, but his economy rate rose to 8.77 in 2024 and 10.84 in 2025. It improved to 9.88 in 2026, although he continued to give away runs at a high rate.
Ravi Bishnoi Needs to Add More Variations
Another concern is Ravi Bishnoi's reliance on his googly. His stock delivery skids off the pitch and helped him trouble batters early in his career. However, opponents have become more familiar with his bowling, making it harder for him to surprise them.
Bishnoi spoke about developing a stronger leg-spinner in 2022, but he still relies heavily on the googly. He needs to add more variations to remain effective against experienced international batters.
Varun Chakaravarthy provides an example of how a spinner can improve after early struggles. He worked on his bowling action and alignment, added new variations and returned as a more effective option for India.
Bishnoi has also tried to adjust his action, alignment and delivery point. However, he needs to expand his repertoire and become less predictable. Otherwise, batters could continue to target him in international cricket and the IPL.
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