IND vs WI 2022: He gave me the confidence to play freely – Ravi Bishnoi credits Anil Kumble after maiden call-up

India’s rookie leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi has given credit to Punjab Kings head coach Anil Kumble after he received his maiden call-up to the Indian squad.

After impressing in the 2020 Under-19 World Cup, Bishnoi hogged the limelight in the IPL while playing under former Indian skipper’s tutelage for Punjab Kings.

Ravi Bishnoi has impressed in his young career and he has scalped 24 wickets in 23 IPL matches at an impressive economy rate of 6.95. Thus, the leg-spinner has shown the promise to go a long way in his career and he is definitely on the right path.

“I have learned a lot from Anil sir, and those lessons have helped me to become a better cricketer. He would always guide me on how to back myself and never lose hope under pressure. Those things were of immense help. He always told me to play to my strengths. The advice was that I should stick to my basics and just execute the plans. There was no experiment. He gave me the confidence to play freely,” Bishnoi was quoted as saying by Sportstar.

Bishnoi will now be seen playing for Lucknow Supergiants in the upcoming IPL 2022 as he has been roped in for INR 4 crores. KL Rahul will lead the team and Bishnoi feels it will be easy for him to adjust to the new franchise as he had played under Rahul’s captaincy for Punjab Kings.

“I was waiting for my opportunity. I was preparing myself for the big league and was keeping myself ready so that I can give my hundred percent whenever an opportunity comes my way. My only aim was to keep performing and then wait for my turn,” Bishnoi said.

“With Rahul bhaiya (KL Rahul) leading the team, it will be easier for me to adjust since I have already played under him in Punjab. It is a great opportunity for me to be among the few players to be picked by the franchise before the auction. I want to contribute my best to the team,” he said.

Bishnoi will look to grab his chances at the top level and it will be interesting to note if he will get his opportunities in the series against the West Indies. The first ODI between India and West Indies will be played on 6th February in Ahmedabad.