Ravi Bishnoi’s performance in the second T20 match against England on July 4 (Saturday) in Manchester was one of the main reasons for India’s defeat. Bishnoi gave away 60 runs in four overs without taking a single wicket.
read more
The biggest damage came in his 17th over when he bowled three no balls and England batsman Jacob Bethel took full advantage of the free-kick to change the course of the match.
While any bowler can have a bad day, Bishnoi’s performance raised serious questions about Team India’s spin strategy. Now the debate is not just about one bad spell but also why he is considered the best player in the Indian T20 team.
Read also: “2 penalty kicks snatched the match…”, Ishan Kishan told the real reason for the defeat of the Indian team
Questions about Bishnoi’s bowling style
Ravi Bishnoi has been called a ‘leg spinner’ but his bowling is mostly Google based. They don’t have much turn or drift compared to traditional coaster brakes.
Their success depends on the pace, smooth trajectory and misdirection of the ball (Google). The problem comes when batsmen read his googly.
In such a situation, he has neither the opportunity to make more moves nor the ability to continuously stop runs. This weakness was evident in Manchester.
Also read: If Sanju Samson is not injured, then…, Sanjay Manjrekar is furious over Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s performance.
Three nil goals increased the difficulty.
It is extremely rare and expensive for a spinner to score three no balls in a T20 match. The spinner is expected to control the run rate and create pressure. But Bishnoi’s bowling gave England a chance to escape the pressure.
India gave England two blows in the very first over and had a strong target of 190 runs ahead. In such a situation, the team only needed disciplined bowling, but Bishnoi failed to do so.
IPL performance is also discussed
Ravi Bishnoi recently joined Rajasthan Royals after being released by Lucknow Super Giants. However, even in the IPL his place was not always completely assured. In such a situation, questions arise: If his role does not seem fixed even at the franchise level, then why is the Indian team constantly giving him opportunities?
Team India needs a clear strategy
Under the leadership of Indian spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule, the question has also been raised about what plan has been devised to improve Bishnoi’s batting. Is he being forced to work on developing a stronger leg break, or is the team just relying on his existing style?
Read also: Cricket, love and distance… The unique love story of a New Zealand power couple
Career is not over yet, but answers are needed
It would be premature to question Ravi Bishnoi’s career on the basis of one poor match. He is still young and has the opportunity to come back. But Manchester’s performance certainly shows that Team India will now have to think clearly about their role and choices.
If a spinner cannot consistently take wickets, stop runs or contribute to batting, then it is only natural to raise the question of whether he deserves to be in the Indian T20 team.
(Report by: Vijay Singh)
—- End —-