'He gave me the confidence to play freely' - Ravi Bishnoi hails Anil Kumble after earning maiden India call-up

Ravi Bishnoi has recently earned his maiden call up to the Indian limited-overs side as the BCCI named an 18-member squad for the upcoming home series against West Indies. The budding player has credited Indian spin legend Anil Kumble for helping him hugely during his stint with him in Punjab Kings.

Bishnoi was rewarded a place in the side for his brilliant IPL 2021 where he picked up 12 wickets for the Punjab Kings franchise. India has also been searching for wrist spinners after a dismal performance in the recent ODI series against South Africa, which they lost 0-3. Bishnoi, who possesses immense skills sets with a lot of variations up his sleeve, comes in the team as an exciting prospect.

However, the 21-year-old might face tough competition from the likes of experienced Yuzvendra Chahal, who will also be fighting for a spot in the side and hence the youngster needs to make the most out of his opportunities.

Anil sir always told me to play to my strengths: Ravi Bishnoi

Bishnoi credited the former spinner Kumble for having a big impact on his growth as a cricketer. He noted that Kumble always advised him to stick to his strengths and to believe in himself in any pressure situation which worked out really well. Kumble is among the greatest spinners to have played the game and he is still India’s highest wicket-taker in both Tests and ODIs, and guided Bishnoi during his time at the Punjab Kings in IPL as a coach.

“I have learned a lot from Anil sir, and those lessons have helped me in becoming a better cricketer. He would always guide me on how to back myself and never lose hope under pressure. Those things were of immense help. He always told me to play to my strengths. The advice was that I should stick to my basics and just execute the plans. There was no experiment. He gave me the confidence to play freely,” Bishnoi told Sportstar.

Bishnoi has been picked by the Lucknow Super Giants franchise ahead of IPL 2022 and will be joining his former Punjab skipper KL Rahul. The leggie bought by the franchise price money of INR 4 Crores.