Why Does IPL 2026 Auction Make Ravi Bishnoi Feel at Home with Rajasthan Royals?
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Abu Dhabi, Dec 16 (NationPress) Indian leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi expressed that it feels “like playing at home” after being acquired by the Rajasthan Royals for Rs 7.2 crore during the ongoing IPL 2026 mini-auction at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, with the franchise securing the talented spinner through intense bidding.
Originating from Jodhpur, Bishnoi brings valuable experience and vitality to the Royals’ bowling lineup. Regarding his transfer to the Rajasthan Royals, he stated, “Playing for Rajasthan Royals will feel like playing at home. I began my cricket journey as a practice bowler at RR, and representing a team that carries my state’s name holds great significance for me.”
RR Lead Owner Manoj Badale commented, “Ravi is an exceptional talent and someone our supporters were excited to see in Royals colors. His return to the franchise feels like a homecoming, particularly since he started his journey here as a net bowler. He’s a highly skilled bowler, a fantastic fielder, and represents the hunger and spirit we cherish at this franchise.”
In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025–26, the leg spinner recorded an economy rate of 8.40 and took nine wickets across seven matches. In the 2025 Indian Premier League, Bishnoi was part of the Lucknow Super Giants. At just 25 years old, he has played for the Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants, accumulating 72 wickets in 77 appearances.
Bishnoi entered the auction with a base price of Rs 2 crore. The Rajasthan Royals promptly initiated the bidding for the leg-spinner. The Chennai Super Kings quickly joined in after requesting some time, steadily increasing the price as both teams vied for him.
CSK raised their bid to Rs 4.2 crore before the Royals temporarily withdrew. They returned at Rs 4.4 crore, initiating another intense round of bidding that escalated to Rs 5.8 crore. Following a lengthy discussion at the Royals’ table, they re-entered the bidding at Rs 6 crore, prompting no response from CSK. Just when it appeared that the Royals had secured Bishnoi, the Sunrisers Hyderabad re-emerged with a bid of Rs 6.2 crore, reigniting the bidding war. The price continued to climb before ultimately reaching Rs 7.2 crore.