Punjab Kings' ace spinner Yuzvendra Chahal feels Ravi Bishnoi might end up moving to Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the IPL 2026 after being released by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) ahead of the auction. All the 10 IPL franchises have announced their retention lists for the 2026 season. The remaining vacant spots on the rosters will be filled during the IPL 2026 mini-auction, which is scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi on December 16.
Ravi Bishnoi to play for Rajasthan Royals? Yuzvendra Chahal drops hint
Among the players released before the auction was Indian leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi. In a somewhat unexpected move, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) let go of Bishnoi, who has been one of the tournament's most promising young spinners, having taken more than 72 IPL wickets in his career. Despite having retained him for a substantial INR 11 crore last year, LSG decided to release him following a tough 2025 season where he only managed to secure 9 wickets across 11 games.
Despite his subpar performance last season, several teams are already showing significant interest in acquiring Bishnoi. His innate talent, exposure to international cricket, and proven ability to control the middle overs still make him a highly valuable asset. Numerous franchises view him as a crucial long-term Indian spin option, and he is consequently expected to attract serious attention and potentially a large bid at the upcoming IPL 2026 mini-auction.
To bs apki feeling k against thodi na jayenge: Bishnoi's cheeky reply to Chahal
The speculation surrounding Ravi Bishnoi's IPL future was recently fueled by a light-hearted interaction with fellow spinner Yuzvendra Chahal. A casual Instagram Live session between the two suddenly created a huge buzz when Chahal teased Bishnoi about his potential next team. During the chat, Chahal jokingly suggested that Bishnoi might end up playing for the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the next IPL season, saying, "Bishnoi, mujhe feeling aa rhi hai tu Rajasthan jayega IPL mai." Bishnoi played along with the joke, laughing and replying that he wouldn't go against Chahal’s instincts, which only added more fuel to the growing rumors: "To bs apki feeling k against thodi na jayenge."
The playful teasing continued when Yuzvendra Chahal jokingly warned Ravi Bishnoi about the consequences of not listening, suggesting he might end up playing only domestic cricket, just like himself. Chahal used this moment for a light-hearted dig at his own exclusion from the national side, sending a clear message to the Indian selectors by telling Bishnoi, "Ja bhai, vrna meri tarah domestic hi khelta rh jayega." This exchange has since sparked significant online discussion, with many fans speculating whether Bishnoi is genuinely on his way to joining the Rajasthan Royals. With the IPL 2026 mini-auction fast approaching and Bishnoi already one of the most sought-after players, this friendly banter has left fans wondering about Bishnoi's next IPL team.