Ravi Bishnoi Credits 'Idol' Anil Kumble For Teaching Him Face Tough Situations

Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi made a bright start to his IPL career. He displayed brilliance in the inaugural matches for KXIP by producing match-winning performances. Bishnoi looked calm in his run-up and held the nerves. He has credited KXIP head coach Anil Kumble for his influence.

Kumble was seen applauding Bishnoi for his performance in the inaugural match of IPL 2020. Bishnoi said that Kumble taught him how to keep a calm mind and handle difficult situations in a match. He also added that Kumble had asked him to stick to his strength without trying too many things.

“He taught me to keep a calm mind and handle situations during the match with a cool head,” said Bishnoi. “He also asked me to stick to my strength and not try too many things.”

“We had a long camp before the IPL so the preparation was good. It’s more about mental preparations, skill levels are almost identical at this level,” said Bishnoi.

“The one who is mentally stronger or more brave succeeds. My focus was on not giving away loose deliveries and allow them to attack me.

“We did not go out to bowl thinking we have a target over 200 to defend. Rather we thought we had to defend 180 and the intention was to get them out as soon as we can.”

Bishnoi likes to bowl stump to stump and it has worked wonders for him. West Indies great Ian Bishop called him a ‘wizard’ for his impeccable performance in the U-19 World Cup which bore fruits for him.

Bishnoi is a leg-spinner and grew up watching the videos of his idol Anil Kumble. To be picked up by a franchise coached by the Indian spin legend was noting sort of a dream come true moment for him.

Besides picking up wickets regularly, Bishnoi was economical in the U-19 World Cup. He scalped 17 wickets at an economy rate of 3.48 in the marquee youth tournament.