Ravi Bishnoi Opens Up on Emotional Comeback After Nearly a Year Away from Indian Cricket
Ravi Bishnoi, the talented leg-spinner, has broken his silence on the challenges of being dropped from the Indian cricket team, marking a significant return in the third T20 International against New Zealand. After a hiatus of nearly a year, Bishnoi showcased his skills with impressive figures of 2/18 in his four overs, playing a crucial role in India's eight-wicket victory. This performance came as a replacement for Washington Sundar, highlighting his resilience in a competitive squad.
Struggles and Self-Reflection During the Absence
In a candid post-match interview, Bishnoi expressed the emotional toll of being sidelined, stating, "Yes, it is difficult when you are away from the side, you feel like you should be there but you are not." He acknowledged the strength of the current Indian team, where opportunities are limited, but used the time away constructively. Bishnoi emphasized that this period allowed him to focus intensely on self-improvement, particularly after a disappointing season with Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Technical Adjustments and Domestic Cricket Grind
The spinner revealed that his primary focus during the break was on refining his bowling lengths, which he identified as a key issue during the last IPL season. "The work I have done in the last one year was on my lengths because I didn’t do so well in the IPL last season," Bishnoi explained. He detailed his efforts to bowl consistently in the 5-6 metre range on the stumps, a strategy aimed at making it difficult for batsmen to score freely.
To regain form, Bishnoi returned to his roots in Jodhpur, actively participating in domestic tournaments such as the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Syed Mushtaq Ali T20s, and two Ranji Trophy matches. This rigorous schedule paid off, with Bishnoi taking nine wickets in seven games in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, bolstering his confidence and skills ahead of his international comeback.
Team Dynamics and Future Prospects
Despite his successful return, Bishnoi remains excluded from the Indian squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, underscoring the intense competition for spots. He praised his teammates, including Jasprit Bumrah, who returned figures of 3/17 in the same match, and Hardik Pandya, for their contributions. Bishnoi highlighted the importance of early wickets in T20 cricket, noting that such breakthroughs can significantly pressure the batting side.
Reflecting on his journey, Bishnoi concluded that the hard work and domestic exposure were instrumental in his comeback. His story serves as an inspiration for aspiring cricketers, demonstrating the value of perseverance and technical refinement in the face of setbacks.
