Ravi Bishnoi's Technical Overhaul Revives His Cricket Career
In a remarkable turnaround, Indian leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi has made a significant impact in international cricket after implementing crucial tweaks to his bowling action. During the third T20I against New Zealand in Visakhapatnam, Bishnoi showcased his refined skills, conceding only 18 runs in four overs and taking the wickets of Glenn Phillips and Mark Chapman. This performance marks a stark contrast to his struggles in the recent IPL season, where he managed just 9 wickets in 11 matches for Lucknow SuperGiants.
The Technical Transformation Behind Bishnoi's Resurgence
Behind the scenes, Bishnoi's resurgence stems from meticulous work with his childhood coaches, Shahrukh Khan and Pradyot Singh Rathore, in his hometown of Jodhpur. After the IPL, Bishnoi dedicated himself to intensive training sessions, spending up to eight hours daily to rectify flaws in his technique. Shahrukh Khan, now coaching in Dubai, revealed that Bishnoi's bowling action had developed critical issues. "His run-up was inconsistent, and at the point of release, his non-bowling arm had become too straight," Shahrukh explained. "He was releasing the ball at an 11 o'clock angle instead of the optimal 1 o'clock position common among leg-spinners."
Key Adjustments and Their Impact on Bishnoi's Bowling
The coaches identified that these technical flaws were undermining Bishnoi's effectiveness. His sliders, once a potent weapon, were being comfortably pulled by batsmen, and his leg-breaks lacked the necessary turn. To address this, Bishnoi and his coaches focused on:
- Adjusting his release angle to 12 o'clock, which has opened up his action.
- Ensuring better use of the crease to enhance variation.
- Refining his length to restore the nip in his sliders.
These changes have enabled Bishnoi to bowl both leg-breaks and googlies with greater accuracy and turn. Pradyot Singh Rathore noted, "He has evolved into a new, improved version of Ravi. In those months of hard work, he has truly come of age." The results were evident in domestic tournaments, where Bishnoi picked up 9 wickets in the SMAT and 12 in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, showcasing improved economy rates.
Bishnoi's Road Ahead in Indian Cricket
Despite this resurgence, Bishnoi faces stiff competition for a spot in the Indian team, with spinners like Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy currently preferred. However, his recent performance and technical improvements position him as a reliable backup option. "What should be assuring for India is that Bishnoi is ready to step in if the need arises," Shahrukh emphasized. Bishnoi's journey highlights the importance of continuous evolution in cricket, where even established players must adapt to maintain their edge at the highest level.
