Ravi Bishnoi IPL 2026 (Image source: AFP)
The unbeaten Punjab Kings are taking on Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2026 match 40 at the PCA New Cricket Stadium. The toss is out, and so are the team sheets for the high-octane PBKS vs RR game.
In a notable change, Rajasthan captain Riyan Parag confirmed the absence of the experienced spinner Ravi Bishnoi.
Here’s what the RR playing 11 looks like:
Rajasthan Royals Playing XI: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Riyan Parag (c), Donovan Ferreira, Ravindra Jadeja, Dasun Shanaka, Jofra Archer, Nandre Burger, Brijesh Sharma, Yash Punja
Impact Player Substitutions: Musheer Ahmed Khan, Vishnu Vinod, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Xavier Bartlett, Harpreet Brar
Thus, in this article, let's explore why Ravi Bishnoi has been dropped.
Who has replaced Ravi Bishnoi in the PBKS vs RR match?
The leg spinner, Ravi Bishnoi, had a stellar start to his IPL 2026 campaign with the Rajasthan Royals, leading the Purple Cap race early in the tournament with top performances.
His most notable moment in the season came against Gujarat Titans, recording career-best figures of 4-41 in 4 overs. Introduced as an impact player, he dismantled GT’s middle order to help secure a 6-run win while defending 210, taking his T20 total over 200.
Also read: Ravi Bishnoi, Shashank Singh Miss Out As Riyan Parag Asks Shreyas Iyer And Co To Bat First
However, in RR’s latest game against Sunrisers Hyderabad, introduced late as an Impact Substitute, Bishnoi proved expensive. The spinner conceded 16 runs in his 12th-over introduction as SRH chased down a high total of 228-5.
Following the same, Yash Raj Punja replaced Ravi Bishnoi in the Rajasthan Royals playing XI for their IPL 2026 match against Punjab Kings on April 28, 2026. RR captain Riyan Parag made this change, along with bringing in Dasun Shanaka for Shimron Hetmyer.
When asked about team news, RR captain Riyan Parag said, “2 changes, Hetmyer sits out, Dasun Shanaka comes in. Ravi Bishnoi goes out, Yash Punja comes in.”
Bishnoi came with a major tweak to his action in IPL 2026, but still remained ineffective
An in-depth analysis highlighted the technical adjustments that have powered Bishnoi’s resurgence this season. He has bowled just one full delivery all season, a dramatic reduction from 12.61% full balls in IPL 2025 and 13.74% in IPL 2024.
Also read: Ravi Bishnoi Rubs Off Notebook Celebration In Digvesh Rathi's Face
His release point is higher and more upright, producing more consistent lengths. These are the hallmarks of a bowler who has rebuilt his method from the ground up.
But the economic rate tells a less comfortable story. Bishnoi’s economy sits at approximately 9.54 this season, a number that, on flat IPL surfaces, can be acceptable for a wicket-taker but starts to look expensive when there is a cheaper alternative available.
19-year-old Yash Raj Punja gets another chance to prove his mettle
Born on June 26, 2006, Yash Raj Punja is a 19-year-old who made a memorable IPL debut for Rajasthan Royals on April 19, 2026, against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens.
Acquired for INR 30 Lakh in the IPL 2026 Auction, the 6'5" Karnataka bowler impressed by taking 1/25 in four overs as an Impact Player. His performance was highlighted by his ability to generate extra bounce, pace, and a lethal googly.
Thus, replacing Ravi Bishnoi gives him another opportunity in the IPL 2026 to prove his worth in the biggest franchise league.
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