IPL 2020 | Never thought I would be able to work with Anil Kumble, reveals Ravi Bishnoi

09/07/2020

Ravi Bishnoi, who had a terrific U-19 World Cup, has stated that his Kings XI Punjab stint has allowed him the opportunity to learn a lot from Anil Kumble - someone he idolised growing up. Bishnoi has further added that he was itching to bowl after being forced to isolate during the last few months.

A bowler who relies on speed and drift more than conventional leg-spin and googly, Ravi Bishnoi outfoxed batsmen in the Under-19 World Cup, leaving a lasting impact on many viewers. A bowler of the Rashid Khan mould, he ran in and delivered faster than many contemporary leg-spinners, a trait Anil Kumble had mastered during his time. Now the duo has joined forces in the Kings XI Punjab camp, albeit in the role of head coach and a player respectively. That provides Bishnoi with an opportunity to hone his skills and learn other facets of spin bowling from the former Indian spinner.

"I am trying to learn how to read batsmen during a match and how to adjust to match pressure and different situations from him," said Bishnoi, reported Times of India.

"Now that I have spent some time with Kumble sir, I can relate so much to him. We both are the same kind of bowlers. Like Anil sir, I too bowl quick. One thing that we are working on is my flipper and hopefully, in the next couple of months I will have mastery over it too," said Bishnoi.

After his heroics in the Under-19 World Cup, Bishnoi had the opportunity to cash in on the chance in the IPL 2020, which was supposed to start in March, but once the Covid-19 pandemic hit the world, he had to lock himself down like the rest of the world. However, to keep pace, he used LPG cylinders and stones to do weight training.

"There was nothing anyone could have done. After a few days I was really itching to bowl, but you can't help it. It was quite challenging so my sole focus was on fitness, which too was not easy as I don't have enough equipment at home, or the space. I used LPG cylinders and stones as weights," recollected Bishnoi.

Bishnoi's first ever assignment in the IPL might very well be against Delhi Capitals on September 20, the first game of the new season for Punjab.