India secured a series-clinching victory in the second T20I against Sri Lanka in Pallekele on Sunday, thanks to another strong bowling performance. Leg spinner Ravi Bishnoi was the standout performer, taking 3 wickets for 26 runs and playing a crucial role in limiting the home side to 161 runs in the first innings.
The reigning T20 world champions then comfortably chased down a DLS-adjusted target. Bishnoi broke the Lankan lower middle order, dismissing Dasun Shanaka and Wanindu Hasaranga off consecutive deliveries in the 17th over. However, he expressed no disappointment in missing out on his first-ever T20I hat-trick.
“I am not worried about not completing the hat-trick. It is just a part of the game. It feels good to put in a good performance and help the team to a win,” Bishnoi stated at the post-match press conference.
The 23-year-old also spoke about the support he has received from newly appointed Indian coach Gautam Gambhir. “I have a good bond with him [Gambhir] as I have worked with him in Lucknow Super Giants. He hasn’t asked me to change much. He just told me to keep doing what I do best. His guidance was working back then and it is working now too,” Bishnoi said.
India has taken 19 of the 20 Sri Lankan wickets on offer in this series so far. Bishnoi attributes this success to the confidence offered by Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav to his bowlers.
“He has been captaining well. I have already played under him during the Australia series. He is a captain who backs the bowlers. For a bowler, there is nothing better than having such a captain,” Bishnoi added.
