Punjab Kings have their tasks cut out when the 2021 VIVO Indian Premier League resumes on 19th September in UAE. KL Rahul’s side have three wins out of eight so far in the competition, and need a nigh perfect second leg of the IPL to make it to the playoffs. 

The team needs to win at least five out of their last six games to be assured of making it to the playoffs. The task ahead seems daunting, but Punjab Kings leg spinner Ravi Bishnoi believes the conditions, venues and previous experience could be a big positive for his team heading into the UAE leg of the Indian Premier League. 

“It feels nice to be back in Dubai. It doesn't seem like it has been a year since we last came here. Conditions here will help spinners like me and Adil Rashid, these wickets are very good for spinners,” explained Bishnoi in an exclusive interview with Punjab Kings. 

“Even the grounds here are good, two grounds are nice and big, although one is small. Feels good to be back here, and I believe the conditions in Dubai will help our team,” he added.

Bishnoi also took solace from the team’s performance last season, when they went on a five match winning streak towards the end of the group stages and almost made it through to the playoffs. The 21-year-old is confident that the team can replicate that form going forward in the UAE.

“Last year we won 5 matches on the trot. This time we have to win just four out of the remaining six games. We will surely win,” said Bishnoi.

“In the first half, we could win only three out of our eight games, but now with this gap in the middle I believe will be very helpful for the team. Back then, the momentum wasn’t on our side, but now everybody is starting afresh, and hopefully this fresh start can help us win and qualify for the playoffs,“ further explained the leg spinner. 

Lots to learn from Rashid

For the remainder of the season, Ravi Bishnoi will have a new partner in crime in the spin bowling department, with Adil Rashid joining the roster. The seasoned English spinner, and seam bowler Nathan Ellis will be part of the Punjab Kings squad for the remaining games with Jhye Richardson and Riley Meredith pulling out of the tournament. 

“Yes, I have seen Adil Rashid’s bowling all these years on my television. He bowls really well, and I’m eager to meet him and learn a few tricks of the trade,” said Bishnoi in the same interview. 

“We have a lot of good spinners in our team, and there will be some good, healthy competition amongst all of us, so I am looking forward to learning from him (Rashid) and competing with him,” concluded the former U19 World Cup player.