IPL 2026 Auction: Ravi Bishnoi reacts after moving from LSG to RR with Rs 7.2 crore deal

Rajasthan Royals (RR) secured the services of India's star leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi for a whopping Rs 7.2 crore in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 mini auction in Abu Dhabi on December 16. Hailing from Jodhpur, it will be Bishnoi's homecoming to RR that injects proven quality, local pride, and youthful energy directly into the Royals’ bowling attack for the upcoming season.

Playing for Rajasthan Royals will feel like playing at home: Ravi Bishnoi

After moving to RR from Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Bishnoi expressed his delight and said:

"Playing for Rajasthan Royals will feel like playing at home. I started my cricket journey here at RR, and now representing a team that carries the name of my state means a lot to me.”

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Bishnoi had clearly emerged as a priority target for the franchise, which acted decisively in the competitive auction pool, successfully fending off rival bids to ensure the local star finally gets the opportunity to represent his home state in the IPL. Bishnoi's signing substantially strengthens the Royals' bowling unit with the addition of a proven wicket-taker who is adept at controlling the game's critical middle phase. His unique action and exceptional ability to generate quick turn make him an ideal fit for the Royals' strategy. Moreover, he brings valuable experience, having claimed 72 wickets in 77 IPL appearances while maintaining a competitive economy rate of 8.21.

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Ravi is a special talent: RR owner Manoj Badale

Also, during the recent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025–26 season, the leg-spinner demonstrated a solid, if slightly expensive, bowling performance. Across the seven games he played, he managed to secure nine wickets for his team. His economy rate for the tournament was recorded at 8.40.

Meanwhile, RR owner Manoj Badale said:

"Ravi is a special talent and someone our fans were eager to see in Royals colours. His return to the franchise feels like a homecoming, especially knowing he began his journey here. He’s a highly skilled bowler, a terrific fielder, and someone who embodies the hunger and spirit we value at this franchise."

The bidding for Bishnoi intensified, with CSK raising the offer to Rs 4.2 crore before RR briefly paused their involvement. However, the Royals soon re-entered the contest at Rs 4.4 crore, initiating a frenetic new round of bidding that quickly pushed the total price up to Rs 5.8 crore. Following a concentrated discussion at the Royals' table, RR placed a decisive bid of Rs 6 crore, leading CSK to decline a further response, which momentarily suggested the player was secured.

The drama was far from over, as SRH unexpectedly entered the fray with a bid of Rs 6.2 crore, instantly reigniting the bidding war. Both franchises continued to challenge each other, causing the price to climb steadily and significantly higher. The intense back-and-forth between the two determined teams finally concluded when the gavel fell, with the final price settling at Rs 7.2 crore.