In Sunday’s second Twenty20 International match between India and Sri Lanka at the Pallekele Stadium, young spinner Ravi Bishnoi stood out as the game’s MVP. With his outstanding 3/26 stats, the leg-spinner not only won Player of the Match but also significantly contributed to India securing a 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Given the support he has received from the team’s leadership, Bishnoi’s performance on the spin-friendly track is not surprising. The spinner was quick to thank vice captain Shubman Gill and captain Suryakumar Yadav for their support during the post-match news conference.
Suryakumar is leading by example as a captain. During the Australia series, I also played for him. He has performed well. The captaincy of Shubman Gill was excellent also. He also performed admirably as a captain in Zimbabwe. As a bowler, you can’t ask for more than this when your captain supports you; they have always stood behind me. Both Shubman and Suryakumar have supported me,” Bishnoi remarked, as cited by India Today.
Gautam Gambhir and I have a really special bond. The Ravi Bishnoi
Indian cricket is entering a new era with the series against Sri Lanka, as Yadav assumes the T20I captaincy responsibilities and Gautam Gambhir takes on the role of head coach. The friendship that developed between Bishnoi and Gambhir while they were teammates at the Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League has carried over into the national team.
“After two years with LSG, Gautam Gambhir and I have a really strong bond. To be clear, he hasn’t asked me to make any changes. I should carry out his instructions, which I am doing now. I was able to employ his advise both then and now,” he continued.
Considering how well-known Sri Lanka is for playing spin, Bishnoi’s performance is very impressive. Nevertheless, throughout the game, the spinner noticed a change in the opposition’s tactics.
“I’m not sure what has happened to them, but they play spin pretty well. “They were a good spin-playing team, but they collapsed between the middle overs. I think something has gone wrong,” Bishnoi said in closing.
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On July 30, the visitors and the host country will play the third and final Twenty20 International at the same location. Following the T20Is, a three-match ODI series between the two teams will see Rohit Sharma wear the captain’s hat.