‘It's a proud moment, now focus is on performing for the team’ – Ravi Bishnoi opens up after being picked by Lucknow franchise

Ravi Bishnoi has been picked by the Lucknow franchise along with KL Rahul and Marcus Stoinis. Bishnoi was earlier a part of the Punjab Kings franchise who picked him during the IPL 2020 auction for INR 2 crores against base price of INR 20 lakh. The young spinner has taken 24 wickets in 23 IPL matches at an average of 24.91, and an economy of 6.95.

Bishnoi became a household name during the auction because of his performance in the Under 19 World Cup 2020 where he taken 17 wickets in six matches at an average and strike rate of 10.65 and 18.35 respectively, and an economy of 3.48. After he was picked by the Lucknow franchise, Bishnoi mentioned that his captain at Punjab Kings, KL Rahul, played a key role in him becoming a part of the new franchise.

“It’s a proud moment for me, my coaches and family as I am one of those few players among the world’s best picked by the franchise before the mega auction. Aur mereko lagta hain Rahul bhai ne bola hoga mere liye (I have a feeling Rahul must have suggested my name to the Lucknow franchise management). Now my focus is on doing even better for my new IPL team and helping them win games,” Bishnoi was quoted by The Times of India.

“With Rahul bhai leading Lucknow, I feel it will be easier for me to adjust in the new team as I have already played under him,” Bishnoi added.

It is important for me to play at this level: Ravi Bishnoi

Bishnoi has become the highest-earning member of his family but mentioned that getting a chance to play and perform in IPL is more important than money for him.

“Money matters, but it is more important for any young player to get an opportunity to play at this level and showcase his skill. Paisa baad main bhi kamaya jaa sakta hain (money can be earned later as well),” he said.

Bushnoi further stated that he wants to look at the opportunity on his hand and doesn’t want to think about anything else apart from playing for Lucknow.

“I do not wish to clutter my thinking about the upcoming T20 World Cup selection. The opportunity in front of me is to play for Lucknow and that is my focus at present. Doing well here will to a lot of extent play a role in what happens next,” he said.