In an exhilarating day of cricket at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, young leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi emerged as a key player for India during the nerve-wracking Super Over against Afghanistan on January 17. Tasked with bowling the crucial second Super Over, Bishnoi's selection was a strategic move, influenced by his previous experience in high-pressure situations like a double Super Over match, and the specific conditions favoring his bowling style against Afghanistan's batting lineup.
With two right-handed batsmen at the crease and a strategic advantage offered by the longer leg-side boundary, Bishnoi was faced with a clear yet challenging task. His strategy was to bowl a stump-to-stump line and focus on delivering the ball back of a length. This approach was aimed at making it difficult for the batsmen to play front-foot aggressive shots. Bishnoi successfully forced the Afghan batsmen to score off the backfoot, demonstrating his tactical understanding and ability to execute under pressure.
In a post-match conversation with the broadcasters, Bishnoi shared the thrill and adrenaline he experienced during the Super Over. He embraced the high-pressure situation with enthusiasm, relishing the chance to represent India in such a pivotal moment. His performance in the match was a testament to both his bowling skills and his mental strength in critical game situations.
"I was enjoying. The hearbeat was high. I have played a double super over match before. Me and Avesh both were asked to be ready but looking at the 2 right handers and a longer boundary in the leg side I was tasked with the job," said Bishnoi.
But Bishnoi's ambitions extend beyond T20 cricket. He is also keen on making a mark in the Ranji Trophy, India's prestigious first-class cricket championship. Bishnoi aims to further refine his leg-spin bowling, already showing promise in the longer format of the game.
"My plan was to bowl stump to stump and back of a length so that it becomes hard for them to hit forward. I was happy in the batters scoring off the backfoot. I am enjoying playing for the country and defending in a Super Over. I am bowling well and delivering nicely. I will try to do better in the Ranji Trophy as well. I am trying to bowl leg breaks as well. I got some assistance in the Ranji Trophy as well bowling the leggie," Bishnoi added.
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