After Shreyas Iyer, Another India Star Throws Ravi Bishnoi Under The Bus

Ravi Bishnoi criticised by another India player [Source: AFP]

After Indian captain Shreyas Iyer, wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan also pointed towards Ravi Bishnoi while speaking about India's defeat against England in the second T20I at Old Trafford, Manchester, on Saturday, July 4.

Notably, India suffered a four-wicket defeat after England successfully chased down the 191-run target with one over to spare. While there were several moments that changed the game, Ravi Bishnoi's expensive 17th over turned out to be the biggest turning point of the match.

How Bishnoi's poor bowling cost India the game vs England

Batting first, India posted 190/7, setting England a target of 191. Abhishek Sharma continued his impressive form with a well-made 43 runs, while Ishan Kishan looked to regain his rhythm with a valuable 49. Captain Shreyas Iyer also made a useful contribution by scoring 37 runs.

In reply, England reached the target thanks to Jacob Bethell's unbeaten 76. The visitors were in control for most of the innings after reducing England to 142/5 in 16 overs.

However, the match completely changed in the 17th over. Notably, Bishnoi started the over with a no-ball, and Bethell smashed the free hit for a six. 

The leg-spinner then bowled another no-ball, and Bethell once again punished him with another six. 

The over also included a four, another six, along with singles and doubles, as England collected 29 runs from the over to take complete control of the chase. This was the most expensive over by an Indian spinner in T20I cricket. 

Shreyas Iyer Indirectly Blamed Ravi Bishnoi

Although Ravi Bishnoi's over proved costly, captain Shreyas Iyer avoided directly blaming him after the match. However, his comments hinted at where he felt the game slipped away.

"I think we all know where it went away but I don't want to pinpoint a particular player. I was like, okay he's going to come back strong after that (the first no ball)," Shreyas Iyer said. 

Ishan Kishan seconds Shreyas Iyer's sentiment

Meanwhile, Ishan Kishan also shared his thoughts after the match and felt Ravi Bishnoi could have avoided giving England easy scoring opportunities through the free hits.

"We were always in a situation where we thought we had the game. But getting those free hits made it easier for him to get relief, get the pressure out of him," Kishan said.

"We could have done better, maybe not just give him those free balls where he scored two sixes out of it. So, 12 runs and two balls without making any mistakes.

It's a big thing in these T20 games because it's a very short format and we might not bowl those extra balls to him next time," he added.

It is important to note that Ravi Bishnoi eventually finished with figures of 4-0-60-0, setting the stage for England's thrilling win. 

Who Could Replace Ravi Bishnoi In 3rd T20I Against England?

Notably, India went with three spinners in the second T20I, a decision that raised a few questions considering English pitches are generally known to offer bounce and pace for the fast bowlers. 

With the third T20I set to be played at Trent Bridge in Nottingham on July 7, there is a possibility that the Indian team management could drop Bishnoi out of the playing XI as they look to level the five-match series.

If India decide to make a change, they could strengthen their pace attack by bringing in Prince Yadav or Prasidh Krishna.

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