Former India opener Abhinav Mukund has blamed Rajasthan Royals (RR) skipper Riyan Parag of denting Ravi Bishnoi’s confidence despite his good form in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). Mukund was not convinced with young leggie Yash Raj Punja walking in for Bishnoi.
"I'm not too much in agreement with the Yash Raj call because I believe firmly that teams who have been successful over a period of time in the IPL have maintained a core of bowlers, or Indian players.
"And especially when Ravi Bishnoi has bowled well. If you're going to drop him for another leggie, that's going to dent his confidence massively."
ALSO READ: Ex-MI all-rounder slams pace trio worth Rs 23.75 crore for 5-time IPL champions' poor season
19-year-old Punja claimed the wickets of opener Prabhsimran Singh and Cooper Connolly but went for 41 runs from his quota of four overs. PBKS went on to post 222/4 on the board as Marcus Stoinis scored an unbeaten 22-ball 62.
In the previous game, Bishnoi had bowled just one over after Parag brought him on as impact player in the 11th over.
Bishnoi in purple cap race
Bishnoi has been good form this season, claiming 11 wickets from eight games at an average of 20.81. His economy rate is 9.54 runs per over. Also, he is the only spinner in the ongoing season to take more than 10 wickets.
Bishnoi seems to have benefitted from the switch to a new franchise. He was roped in by RR for Rs 7.20 crore, their most expensive pick in the auction.
"[LSG] didn't make [a mistake in releasing him], Ravi Bishnoi was bowling badly at that point," Abhinav said. "But I don't think he's had a bad season this year."
Bishnoi to play against Delhi Capitals
RR's next game is against Delhi Capitals (DC) at home on May 1. With a few left-handed batters in the lineup, Bishnoi may not be confirmed a spot in the playing twelve.
So far, the tall Karnataka leg-spinner has played two games this season. He had made his IPL debut against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), taking the wicket of Ramandeep Singh and conceding 25 runs from four overs. He is yet to play a game at RR’s home.