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Ravi Bishnoi's Homecoming: How a Rs 7.2 Crore Bid Brings Him Back to Rajasthan

Leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi is heading to the Rajasthan Royals after they bought him for a whopping Rs 7.2 crore at the IPL 2026 auction. He's absolutely thrilled, calling it a homecoming since he started as a practice bowler for RR and the team represents his home state. The bidding was intense, with Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad pushing the price up in a real tug-of-war. Royals' owner Manoj Badale is just as excited, praising Bishnoi's skill and saying fans were eager to see him in their colors.

Key Points: Ravi Bishnoi Joins Rajasthan Royals for Rs 7.2 Crore in IPL 2026 Auction

  • Bishnoi was secured for Rs 7.2 crore after a fierce bidding war with CSK and SRH
  • He began his cricket journey as a net bowler for the Rajasthan Royals franchise
  • RR Lead Owner Manoj Badale called the move a "homecoming" for the special talent
  • The leg-spinner has 72 wickets in 77 IPL appearances for Punjab and Lucknow
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IPL 2026 Auction: Playing for Rajasthan Royals will feel like home, says Ravi Bishnoi

Leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi, bought for Rs 7.2 crore, says playing for Rajasthan Royals "will feel like playing at home" after starting as a net bowler.

"Playing for Rajasthan Royals will feel like playing at home. I started my cricket journey as a practice bowler at RR... - Ravi Bishnoi"

Abu Dhabi, Dec 16

India leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi said it felt “like playing at home” after being picked up by former champions Rajasthan Royals for Rs 7.2 crore at the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 mini-auction at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, with the franchise securing the spinner following competitive bidding.

Hailing from Jodhpur, Bishnoi adds proven quality and energy to the Royals’ bowling attack. Speaking on his move to Rajasthan Royals, Ravi Bishnoi said, "Playing for Rajasthan Royals will feel like playing at home. I started my cricket journey as a practice bowler at RR, and now representing a team that carries the name of my state means a lot to me.”

RR Lead Owner Manoj Badale said, "Ravi is a special talent and someone our fans were eager to see in Royals colours. His return to the franchise feels like a homecoming, especially knowing he began his journey here as a net bowler. He’s a highly skilled bowler, a terrific fielder, and someone who embodies the hunger and spirit we value at this franchise."

During the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025–26, the leg spinner bowled with an economy of 8.40 and claimed nine wickets in seven games. In the 2025 Indian Premier League, Bishnoi was a member of the Lucknow Super Giants. The 25-year-old has played for the Punjab Kings and the Lucknow Super Giants and, with 77 appearances, has taken 72 wickets.

Bishnoi entered the auction with a base price of Rs 2 crore. The Rajasthan Royals quickly opened the bidding for the leg-spinner. The Chennai Super Kings soon joined in after asking for some time. They pushed the price up steadily with fixed increments as the two teams competed.

CSK raised the bid to Rs 4.2 crore before the Royals briefly stepped back. They returned at Rs 4.4 crore, starting another round of frenetic bidding that brought the total to Rs 5.8 crore. After a long discussion at the Royals’ table, RR jumped back in at Rs 6 crore, and CSK chose not to respond. Just when it seemed like the Royals had secured the player, the Sunrisers Hyderabad entered with a bid of Rs 6.2 crore, sparking the bidding war again. The price kept rising before finally settling at Rs 7.2 crore.

hs/bsk/

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The auction dynamics are always so thrilling to read about! CSK and SRH really pushed RR. Smart move by RR to secure a young Indian spinner. He fills a crucial gap in their bowling attack.
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Aditya G
From a net bowler to a 7.2 crore player for the same franchise – that's the kind of story that makes the IPL magical. It shows hard work pays off. Wishing him a great season ahead.
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Priyanka N
I'm a bit concerned about the price tag, to be honest. 7.2 crore is huge pressure for a bowler with an economy of 8.40 in the last Syed Mushtaq Ali. Hope he lives up to the expectations and justifies the faith RR has shown.
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Vikram M
This is perfect for his career. At RR, under Sangakkara and with Chahal likely around, he can learn so much. Home state advantage is real – the crowd in Jaipur will be behind him 100%.
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Kriti O
Love this! ❤️ It's not just about cricket, it's about emotion and connection. His statement gave me goosebumps. Welcome home, Ravi! Now go and win us the trophy.

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