Ravi Bishnoi, born on 5th September 2000, is a name that’s rapidly gaining prominence in the world of Indian cricket. The right-arm leg-break bowler has made significant strides in a relatively short time, showcasing his remarkable talent and potential.
Early Life and Determination
Ravi Bishnoi hails from the Birami village in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, and was born into the Bishnoi family. His journey in cricket wasn’t smooth, primarily due to the lack of cricket culture and facilities in Western Rajasthan. However, his determination and passion for the sport set him on a remarkable path.
Bishnoi, along with a few friends and two coaches, took matters into their own hands and established the Spartans Cricket Academy. They even undertook the construction work themselves due to financial constraints. This dedication and perseverance paid off as it provided him with a platform to hone his skills.
His journey was not without setbacks. He was initially snubbed for the Under-16 and Under-19 trials by selectors. It was only after persistent efforts by his coaches that he was given another chance. Finally, he was selected for the Under-19 Rajasthan squad, marking the beginning of his promising career.
In March 2018, Rajasthan Royals called him up as a net bowler, providing him with valuable exposure and experience.
A Rising Star in Domestic Cricket
Bishnoi’s talent was on full display when he made his Twenty20 debut for Rajasthan during the 2018–19 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. This was just the beginning of his impressive domestic career.
He made his List A debut for Rajasthan in the 2019–20 Vijay Hazare Trophy, further showcasing his ability to excel in different formats. In October 2019, he earned a place in India A’s squad for the 2019–20 Deodhar Trophy.
IPL Journey
Bishnoi’s big break came when he was bought by Kings XI Punjab in the 2020 IPL auction. His IPL debut in September 2020 was a memorable one, as he picked up Rishabh Pant as his maiden wicket, finishing the season with 12 wickets. His stellar performances earned him a nomination for the Emerging Player award.
In February 2022, the Lucknow Super Giants drafted Ravi Bishnoi, showcasing his growing value in the Indian Premier League.
International Breakthrough
Bishnoi’s journey in international cricket began with his selection in India’s squad for the 2020 Under-19 Cricket World Cup. He made a significant impact during the tournament, finishing as the leading wicket-taker, with 17 dismissals.
In January 2022, he was named in India’s One Day International (ODI) and Twenty20 International (T20I) squads for their home series against the West Indies. His T20I debut in February 2022 was impressive, as he took two wickets for 17 runs and was named the player of the match.
More recently, in October 2022, Bishnoi was named in India’s ODI squad for their series against South Africa. He made his ODI debut in that series, marking another significant milestone in his international career.
In conclusion, Ravi Bishnoi’s journey from a village with limited cricketing resources to representing India on the international stage is a testament to his determination and exceptional talent. His inspiring story serves as a reminder that with dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment, even the humblest beginnings can lead to the grandest of successes in the world of cricket.
