Ravi Bishnoi was born on 5 September 2000 in the small town of Birami, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India. He grew up in a middle-class family where cricket was not just a passion but a dream of hope. His father, Mangun Ram Bishnoi, was a government school headmaster, and his mother, Sushila Bishnoi, a homemaker. Despite limited resources, his family always supported his love for cricket.
As a child, Ravi was fascinated by spin bowling. He would spend hours watching Anil Kumble and Shane Warne videos, trying to understand how they could turn the ball magically. But in his early days, there were no proper cricket academies in his town. So, instead of giving up, Ravi and his friends built their own cricket academy — literally by hand. They named it the Spartans Cricket Academy in Jodhpur. Since they couldn’t afford professional labor or equipment, Ravi and his friends themselves did the groundwork, collected funds, and made pitches using their own effort.
This hard work and determination showed his character early on — a player who never gives up.
Early Career and Struggles
Ravi Bishnoi’s early cricketing journey was not easy. Despite being talented, he was rejected multiple times during Rajasthan’s age-group selections. Coaches often said he was “too young and thin” for competitive cricket. But Ravi didn’t lose heart.
He kept training harder every day, bowling hundreds of deliveries under the scorching desert sun of Jodhpur. His ability to generate sharp spin and maintain accuracy soon started getting noticed at local levels. His perseverance finally paid off when he was picked for the Rajasthan Under-19 team.
He made an instant impact with his disciplined leg-spin and googlies, consistently taking wickets against stronger teams. His performance earned him recognition from state selectors and later from the national level scouts.
Rise to Fame: U-19 World Cup 2020
Ravi Bishnoi’s life changed during the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2020, held in South Africa. Representing India Under-19, he became the highest wicket-taker in the entire tournament, picking up 17 wickets in just 6 matches.
His incredible spell of 4 wickets for just 30 runs against Pakistan in the semi-final became one of the most talked-about performances. He bowled with great control, variation, and confidence, leaving even the most skilled young batsmen struggling to read his deliveries.
Although India lost to Bangladesh in the final, Bishnoi’s performance stood out, and he was soon recognized as one of the brightest young spin prospects in world cricket. His googly, delivered with the same action as his leg-break, became his signature weapon.
IPL Journey
After his U-19 success, Ravi Bishnoi was picked up by Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) in the IPL 2020 auction for ₹2 crore. He made his IPL debut that season and immediately impressed cricket fans and experts alike.
Under the guidance of Anil Kumble, Punjab’s head coach at the time, Bishnoi honed his variations, learned to control his nerves, and bowled confidently to some of the best batsmen in the world. In his debut season, he picked up 12 wickets in 14 matches and was hailed for his calm temperament and competitive spirit.
In IPL 2022, he was signed by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for ₹4 crore. There, he continued his success, becoming the team’s go-to spinner in middle overs. Whether it was dismissing power-hitters like Glenn Maxwell, Rishabh Pant, or David Warner — Bishnoi showed remarkable maturity in handling pressure situations.
By IPL 2025, Ravi Bishnoi had established himself as one of the most consistent and economical Indian spinners in T20 cricket, often outperforming senior bowlers in key matches.
International Career
Ravi Bishnoi made his T20 International debut for India on 16 February 2022 against West Indies. His debut was nothing short of spectacular — he took 2 wickets for just 17 runs and was named Man of the Match.
His unique ability to bowl quick leg-spinners and sharp googlies with accuracy made him a favorite pick for India’s T20 squad. Bishnoi later made his ODI debut against South Africa in October 2022.
He became a key part of India’s T20 bowling lineup, especially in subcontinental conditions. Known for his fighting attitude and never-say-die energy, Ravi brought a refreshing spirit to the Indian team.
Even though competition for spots in India’s spin department is fierce, Bishnoi’s consistency and discipline have kept him among the top contenders in white-ball formats.
Playing Style and Strengths
Ravi Bishnoi is a right-arm leg-break bowler known for his fast, attacking bowling style. Unlike many traditional leg-spinners who give the ball more flight, Bishnoi prefers to bowl at a quicker pace — around 95–100 km/h — which gives batsmen little time to read his deliveries.
His googly is his most lethal weapon, often delivered at the same angle as his leg-spin, making it nearly impossible to distinguish. He has exceptional control and rarely bowls loose deliveries. Bishnoi’s fielding is another asset — he’s lightning fast in the outfield, often saving crucial runs or taking sharp catches.
Mentally, he’s known for his aggression and confidence. Even after being hit for a boundary, he comes back strongly with a wicket-taking delivery — a trait that defines world-class bowlers.
Personal Life
Ravi Bishnoi hails from a simple yet supportive family in Jodhpur. His father’s discipline as a headmaster and his mother’s encouragement shaped his grounded personality. Despite achieving fame, Ravi remains humble and connected to his roots.
He often visits his academy in Jodhpur, motivating young cricketers to believe in their dreams, no matter how difficult the path may seem. He frequently talks about how failure and rejection shaped him more than success ever could.
Outside cricket, Ravi enjoys spending time with his family, playing video games, and watching motivational videos. He’s known for his calm nature off the field but transforms into a fierce competitor once he steps onto the pitch.
He also looks up to Anil Kumble, Shane Warne, and Rashid Khan as inspirations for his craft.
Achievements and Highlights
- Highest wicket-taker in ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup 2020 (17 wickets).
- Man of the Match on T20I debut for India (2022).
- Consistent performer in IPL with Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants.
- Selected for multiple India squads before age 23 — a sign of trust from selectors.
- Known for his sharp googlies, accuracy, and mental toughness.
Personality and Work Ethic
Ravi Bishnoi’s biggest strength lies in his mindset. He’s fearless, disciplined, and hungry to improve. His work ethic is unmatched — he spends hours analyzing batsmen and practicing variations.
Coaches often describe him as “one of the most hardworking young cricketers” in India. Despite pressure and expectations, he remains composed, often celebrating wickets with quiet intensity rather than aggression.
His teammates admire him for his humility, focus, and sense of humor. Bishnoi’s story is one of self-belief and relentless effort — from building his own academy to representing India on the international stage.
Conclusion
Ravi Bishnoi’s journey is a perfect example of how determination, discipline, and passion can turn dreams into reality. From a small-town boy in Rajasthan to one of India’s most promising spinners, his story continues to inspire millions of young cricketers.
With his fearless spirit, sharp skills, and constant hunger to improve, Bishnoi is not just the present — he’s the future of Indian spin bowling. As he continues to evolve, one thing is certain: Ravi Bishnoi’s rise has only just begun.
