Leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi acknowledged getting the Man-of-the-Match award on his India debut was a “dream come true”.
The 21-year-old’s bowling in the first T20I at Eden Gardens on Wednesday was instrumental in restricting the West Indies to a sub-160 total and, importantly, denying them some crucial 15-20 runs that could have made the difference.
“The nerves are settled now. I feel very good with such a performance, as it’s everyone’s dream to play for India.
“I never thought I would get the Man-of-the-Match award in my very first game for India, so it’s really a dream come true,” the youngster, who had impressed in the last two IPLs for Punjab Kings, said at the post-match presentation.
Talking about his strengths, Bishnoi said: “My strength is the length that I try to hit. I was just focusing on that.”
Bishnoi also had to counter the dew, something he hadn’t experienced earlier. That Bishnoi has a promising future was emphasised by captain Rohit Sharma.
“He can bowl anywhere, from the Powerplay to the back-end of the innings as well, and gives us options to rotate other bowlers. It’s just about us now, how we utilise him,” Rohit said.