Ravi Bishnoi can be the next big thing in Indian cricket: KL Rahul

KL Rahul will lead Lucknow Super Giants in the 2022 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), and expectations are sky high from him. The right-handed batter piled up a plethora of runs for Punjab Kings (formerly known as Kings XI Punjab) in the last four seasons and is expected to well in Lucknow colours as well.

Meanwhile, Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis and uncapped leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi are the two other players picked by the Lucknow-based franchise ahead of the mega auction. As Bishnoi played under Rahul in the last two seasons, many believe the batter has a hand in getting Bishnoi on board. After all, he piped the likes of Yuzvendra Chahal and Rahul Chahar. Meanwhile, it must be noted that Bishnoi has made a terrific start to his IPL career.

Ravi Bishnoi has a lot of fight in him: KL Rahul

In 23 games so far, the 21-year-old, who featured in the 2020 Under-19 World Cup, took 24 wickets with his economy rate being under seven. These numbers are indeed impressive and justify Bishnoi’s selection. Speaking of the spinner’s abilities, Rahul said Bishnoi has a strong self-belief and pressure of playing in IPL hasn’t got the better of him.

“He has a lot of fight in him. That’s something that stood out from the first game of the IPL that he played, coming off an under-19 World Cup. IPL is a big stage and it didn’t seem like the occasion got the better of him,” Rahul was quoted as saying by the Times of India.

“He wanted to be in a fight. He was bowling against Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer and they are really good players of spin, so I threw him the ball and said, “This is gonna be tough.” He said, “No, it doesn’t matter, I’ll get them out.” That’s the kind of attitude he has. For a little guy he has huge heart,” added the 29-year-old.

The right-handed batter even called Bishnoi the probable ‘next big thing’ in Indian cricket. “He can be the next big thing in Indian cricket. The responsibility is on us to help him discover his potential so he can get into that national team and become one of the key spinners for Team India,” opined the batter.