Is Ravi Bishnoi the Leading Wrist-spinner for India in the T20 World Cup?
India’s spin department has always been a significant strength in their cricket lineup. With the upcoming T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and the United States, the competition among spinners to secure a spot in the squad has intensified. Ravi Bishnoi, with his impressive performances in recent matches, has emerged as a prominent contender for the position of India’s No.1 wrist-spinner. In this article, we will delve into Bishnoi’s skills, his contributions in the T20 series against Australia, and his chances of securing a spot in the T20 World Cup squad.
The Battle for Selection
With India likely to select only three spinners for the T20 World Cup, the competition among spinners is fierce. Bishnoi finds himself vying for a spot alongside Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, and Washington Sundar. Each spinner brings unique qualities to the table, making the selection process even more challenging for the team management.
Ravindra Jadeja vs Axar Patel
One of the trickiest decisions lies between Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel. Both spinners offer similar attributes with the ball and are exceptional fielders. They possess the ability to control the game by bowling tight overs and restricting the opposition’s scoring rate. However, playing two left-arm spinners in T20s could prove counterproductive. Hence, there is space for only one of them in the squad. While Jadeja’s experience gives him an edge, Axar’s batting prowess and ability to hit spinners and pacers equally effectively make him a strong contender.
Yuzvendra Chahal vs Ravi Bishnoi
In the leg-spin department, Yuzvendra Chahal and Ravi Bishnoi bring entirely different qualities to the table. Chahal, despite having a successful IPL career, has not been the preferred choice for the selectors. To secure a spot in the T20 World Cup squad, he would need a stellar performance in the 2024 edition of the IPL. On the other hand, Bishnoi’s quick pace and deceptive sliders make him a promising prospect for the format. His ability to turn the game in India’s favor with his variations could be a valuable asset.
Kuldeep Yadav vs Washington Sundar
Kuldeep Yadav, India’s best white-ball spinner at present, would usually be a certainty for the T20 World Cup squad. However, team balance becomes a crucial consideration. With India’s seamers being uni-skilled players, the team management prefers spinners who can contribute with the bat. The smaller grounds in the Caribbean and the US further complicate Kuldeep’s chances. On the other hand, Washington Sundar’s ability to bowl in the Powerplay makes him a reliable option. However, he needs to have a good IPL season to strengthen his case against Kuldeep.
Anyone with an Outside Chance?
Varun Chakravarthy, who was disregarded after the 2021 T20 World Cup, could be a surprise inclusion if he performs well in the upcoming IPL season. His fantastic performance in the previous edition of the IPL has already caught the attention of selectors. If he can continue his form, he might make a strong case for himself.
Ravi Bishnoi’s Impact in the T20 Series Against Australia
Ravi Bishnoi has been a standout performer in the ongoing T20 series against Australia. Playing as the lead spinner, he has made a significant impact in the powerplay overs, taking four wickets. This number is equal to the combined wickets of all other Indian bowlers in the powerplay, highlighting his effectiveness in the early stages of the game.
Unconventional Role in the Powerplay
What sets Bishnoi apart is his ability to make an impact in the powerplay, which is unconventional for a wrist-spinner. Most leg-spinners are held back until the field spreads, but Bishnoi has been given the responsibility to bowl with the newer ball. In this series, he has bowled six overs in the powerplay, accounting for 37.5% of his T20I overs. This change in strategy shows the team management’s faith in his ability to take wickets and disrupt the opposition’s rhythm early on.
The Impact of Bishnoi’s Wicket-taking Ability
Bishnoi’s ability to pick up wickets in the powerplay has been crucial for India. In three out of the four matches where he has bowled in the powerplay, he has taken a wicket in his first over. This early breakthrough has often broken Australia’s momentum and put India in a favorable position. His wicket-taking prowess provides the team with the much-needed advantage in the crucial early overs.
Unique Bowling Style and Control
Bishnoi’s modus operandi sets him apart from traditional leg-spinners. Instead of flighting the ball, he relies on turning it at a quicker pace. His vast repertoire of wrong ‘uns keeps the batsmen guessing and adds an element of surprise to his bowling. The 23-year-old has shown improved control over the amount of turn on his googlies, reducing the instances of missing the stumps. This control has translated into better bowling averages, especially when a significant proportion of his deliveries hit the stumps.
Middle Overs Challenge
While Bishnoi has excelled in the powerplay, he has faced some challenges in the middle overs. In this phase of the game, he has been slightly expensive, conceding runs at 9.8 runs per over. The length of his deliveries in this phase might be a contributing factor, as he has predominantly bowled in the good length area. To further enhance his effectiveness, Bishnoi needs to vary his lengths and mix up his deliveries to keep the batsmen guessing.
Bishnoi’s Chance at the T20 World Cup Squad
Ravi Bishnoi’s recent performances have certainly put him in contention for a spot in India’s T20 World Cup squad. His ability to take wickets in the powerplay, along with his unique bowling style, makes him an exciting prospect for the team management. However, the final selection will depend on various factors, including team balance, performances in the upcoming IPL, and the preferences of the selectors.
Competing Against Kuldeep Yadav
One of the key contenders for the wrist-spinner slot alongside Bishnoi is Kuldeep Yadav. Kuldeep’s experience and track record make him a strong candidate for the T20 World Cup. However, the team management will have to carefully assess the conditions and the opposition before making a decision. Bishnoi’s quick pace and variations might give him an edge in certain situations, especially on the smaller grounds in the Caribbean and the US.
The Importance of IPL Performance
The upcoming edition of the IPL will play a significant role in determining the final squad for the T20 World Cup. A stellar performance in the IPL can boost a player’s chances of making the cut. Bishnoi, along with other spinners vying for a spot, will have an opportunity to showcase their skills and stake their claim for a place in the squad. Consistency and impact in the IPL will be crucial factors considered by the selectors.
The Final Verdict
While it is too early to declare Ravi Bishnoi as India’s No.1 wrist-spinner for the T20 World Cup, his recent performances have certainly put him in contention. His ability to take wickets in the powerplay and his unique bowling style make him a valuable asset for the team. The upcoming IPL season will provide further clarity on his form and consistency. Ultimately, the final decision rests with the selectors, who will have to strike a balance between experience, skillset, and team dynamics when selecting the spinners for the T20 World Cup squad.
In conclusion, Ravi Bishnoi’s emergence as a prominent wrist-spinner for India has added depth and competition to the spin department. His performances in the ongoing T20 series against Australia have showcased his potential and ability to make an impact in crucial stages of the game. The battle for a spot in the T20 World Cup squad will intensify, and Bishnoi will have to continue impressing with his skills and performances to secure his place in the team.
