Despite recently claiming the No. 1 T20I bowler title, Ravi Bishnoi isn’t without flaws, according to Indian legend Sunil Gavaskar. While acknowledging Bishnoi’s rapid ascent to the top of the rankings, Gavaskar emphasizes that the young spinner’s international career is still in its early stages and brimming with learning opportunities.
Last week, Bishnoi’s impressive performance against Australia earned him the Player of the Tournament award and propelled him past Rashid Khan to the No. 1 spot. However, his surprise exclusion from the Playing XI for the second T20I against South Africa raised questions.
Prior to the game, Gavaskar argued that the pitch favored Ravindra Jadeja’s flatter bowling style over Bishnoi’s potential for turn. He highlighted Jadeja’s ability to restrict batters from attacking by limiting their room to step down the pitch.
“Ravi Bishnoi, while the No. 1 T20 bowler, is still finding his footing internationally,” Gavaskar observed. “When put under pressure, he sometimes resorts to bowling faster. This backfires on good pitches, as batters relish the increased pace.”
India’s bowlers struggled to defend a revised target of 152 after rain curtailed their innings. Gavaskar attributed this partly to the wet conditions making ball grip difficult for bowlers. He credited South Africa’s well-planned chase for capitalizing on these challenges.
“The wet ball hampered the Indian bowlers, forcing them to constantly wipe it, compromising grip and accuracy,” Gavaskar noted. “Fielding was also affected, with the ball slipping unpredictably. Credit to South Africa for executing a calculated chase despite the conditions not favoring bowlers.”
In essence, Gavaskar’s analysis celebrates Bishnoi’s achievement while acknowledging his need for further development. He emphasizes the importance of adaptability and strategic bowling choices on different pitches and against varying opposition tactics. Ultimately, Gavaskar’s comments provide valuable insights for Bishnoi’s continued growth as a top-tier spinner.
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