In the kaleidoscopic world of modern cricket, where batters often steal the spotlight, Ravi Bishnoi has carved a niche as India’s most exciting young leg-spinner. With a mesmerizing googly and a fighter’s spirit, Bishnoi’s journey from the dusty fields of Jodhpur to the IPL’s grand stage is a tale of grit, guile, and unyielding ambition. This is the story of how a boy from Rajasthan became the torchbearer of India’s spin-bowling future.
Early Life: The Boy from Jodhpur
Born on September 5, 2000, in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Ravi Bishnoi grew up in a family of farmers belonging to the Bishnoi community, known for its environmental conservation ethos. His father, a government school teacher, recognized his son’s talent early, converting their backyard into a makeshift cricket pitch.
Key Early Struggles:
- 2015: Traveled 60 km daily to train at the Maharaja Umaid Singh Stadium in Jodhpur.
- 2017: Rejected for Rajasthan U-19 trials due to “lack of physique,” later selected after taking 8 wickets in a club match.
- 2018: Worked as a net bowler for Rajasthan Royals during IPL, earning ₹500/day to fund his cricket gear.
Domestic Career: The Rise of Rajasthan’s Spin Warrior
Bishnoi’s domestic stats showcase his evolution from a raw talent to a wicket-taking machine.
Domestic Stats (2018–2024)
| Tournament | Matches | Wickets | Average | Economy | Best Figures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ranji Trophy | 22 | 89 | 24.31 | 3.02 | 7/52 vs Bengal |
| Vijay Hazare Trophy | 18 | 34 | 28.90 | 4.85 | 5/41 vs Tamil Nadu |
| Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy | 35 | 58 | 18.72 | 7.10 | 4/12 vs Karnataka |
Breakthrough Moments:
- 2020 U-19 World Cup: Tournament’s leading wicket-taker (17 wickets), including 4/5 vs Japan.
- 2023 Ranji Trophy: Match-winning 11-wicket haul vs Mumbai, triggering a viral celebration.
- 2024 Syed Mushtaq Ali: Named “Player of the Tournament” with 19 wickets at 6.85 economy.
IPL Journey: From ₹2 Crore Rookie to Lucknow’s Strike Weapon
Bishnoi’s IPL career began with a bidding war in 2020.
IPL Career Stats (2020–2024)
| Season | Team | Matches | Wickets | Average | Economy | Best Figures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Punjab Kings | 14 | 12 | 31.33 | 7.37 | 3/32 vs SRH |
| 2022 | Lucknow Super Giants | 14 | 16 | 22.56 | 7.12 | 4/25 vs DC |
| 2024 | Lucknow Super Giants | 16 | 24 | 18.75 | 6.90 | 5/18 vs RCB |
2024 IPL Highlights:
- vs RCB, Chinnaswamy: Became the youngest IPL bowler to take a 5-wicket haul (5/18).
- Economy King: Conceded <7 runs/over in 12 of 16 matches.
- Googly Master: 68% of wickets came via wrong’uns, bamboozling stars like Virat Kohli and Jos Buttler.
IPL 2025: The ₹12 Crore Retention
Post his 2024 heroics, LSG retained Bishnoi for ₹12 crore – a 500% jump from his 2020 salary, making him IPL’s third-most-expensive spinner after Rashid Khan and Yuzvendra Chahal.
IPL Salary Evolution
| Year | Team | Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Punjab Kings | 2 crore |
| 2022 | Lucknow Super Giants | 4 crore |
| 2025 | Lucknow Super Giants | 12 crore |
Net Worth & Endorsements: The Frugal Millionaire
As of July 2024, Bishnoi’s net worth is estimated at ₹28 crore ($3.4 million), blending cricket earnings and strategic brand deals.
Net Worth Breakdown
| Source | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|
| IPL Salary (2020–25) | ₹22 crore |
| BCCI Contracts | ₹3 crore |
| Endorsements | ₹8 crore |
| Investments | ₹5 crore (Farmland in Rajasthan, Mutual Funds) |
Brand Partnerships:
- Adidas: Global ambassador; launched “Bishnoi 99” bowling shoes.
- Royal Stag: Features in their “Make It Large” campaign.
- Byju’s: Mentor for their cricket e-learning modules.
- Jodhpur Tourism: Ambassador for “Desert Cricket Trails” initiative.
Personal Life: Roots and Values
Bishnoi lives with his parents in Jodhpur, adhering to his community’s eco-friendly principles. His pre-match ritual includes sipping desi ghee milk and visiting a local temple.
Off the Field:
- Philanthropy: Runs “Bishnoi Cricket Academy” offering free coaching to underprivileged kids.
- Hobbies: Marathon runner (completed 2023 Jaipur Half Marathon), collects vintage cricket balls.
- Education: BA in History from Jai Narain Vyas University; advocates for athlete education.
In a 2024 interview, he shared: “My father taught me – respect the game like you respect nature. Every wicket is a seed planted.”
International Career: India’s T20 Spin Ace
Bishnoi’s international stats reflect his growing stature:
International Stats (2022–2024)
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Average | Economy | Best Figures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T20Is | 32 | 48 | 18.22 | 7.05 | 4/16 vs South Africa |
| ODIs | 12 | 14 | 34.50 | 5.20 | 3/45 vs Sri Lanka |
Career Highlights:
- 2022 Asia Cup: Player of the Match vs Pakistan (3/26).
- 2024 T20 World Cup: Key contributor with 11 wickets at 6.81 economy.
- 2023 ODI Series vs Australia: Became the fastest Indian to 50 T20I wickets (28 matches).
The Bishnoi Blueprint: Mastering the Modern Game
Analysts credit his success to:
- Googly Mastery: 75% of his wickets come from wrong’uns, the highest among active spinners.
- Speed Variation: Operates between 85-95 kph, quicker than traditional leg-spinners.
- Data-Driven Approach: Uses Hawk-Eye to study batters’ sweepshot vulnerabilities.
LSG mentor Gautam Gambhir notes: “Ravi’s the most street-smart spinner since Jadeja. He outthinks batters, not just outspins them.”
Future Prospects: The 2027 Vision
Bishnoi’s goals are ambitious:
- Test Debut: Target 2025 England tour as India’s spin option.
- IPL 2025: Aim for Purple Cap with 25+ wickets.
- Community Legacy: Develop Rajasthan’s first eco-friendly cricket stadium by 2027.
Why Ravi Bishnoi Matters
In an era dominated by pace and power-hitting, Bishnoi is a refreshing anomaly – a traditional wrist-spinner thriving through skill and smarts. His journey from Rajasthan’s arid plains to global arenas isn’t just inspiring; it’s a beacon for India’s next-gen spinners.
Final Word
Ravi Bishnoi’s story is woven with threads of tradition and modernity. Whether he’s foxing Warner with a googly, planting trees in Jodhpur, or mentoring slum kids, he embodies cricket’s soul. As IPL 2025 approaches, the boy from the Bishnoi community isn’t just spinning deliveries – he’s spinning dreams into reality.
Cricket isn’t just a sport; it’s a playground for stories, and I’m here to tell them with humor, creativity, and a touch of flair. Whether it’s the thrill of an IPL last-over finish or the quirks of a rising star, my words bring the game alive for the next-gen audience. Like an unorthodox stroke that surprises the bowler, my take on cricket is anything but predictable. And if you ask what’s on my mind—well, cricket, always cricket! 🏏🔥
