‘Playing at home again’: Ravi Bishnoi reacts after Rajasthan Royals seal Rs 7.2 crore deal in IPL auction | Cricket News
Indian player Ravi Bishnoi has described his return to Rajasthan Royals as “like playing at home” after the inaugural champions got him for Rs 7.2 crore during the IPL 2026 mini-auction in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. Bidding for the 25-year-old became intense before the Royals finally had the last laugh at the Etihad Arena. Hailing from Jodhpur, Bishnoi’s move to Rajasthan holds strong personal significance. The leg-spinner began his first cricket journey as a net bowler with the Royals, and his return to the franchise now as a full-fledged IPL player marks a full circle moment in his career. Speaking after the auction, Bishnoi said representing a team named after his home country made the opportunity even more special.
Rajasthan Royals principal owner Manoj Badale echoed these sentiments, calling Bishnoi’s signing a homecoming. He described the leg-spinner as a special talent who has long been admired by Royals fans, praising his bowling abilities, athletic fielding and competitive spirit that align with the franchise’s values. Bishnoi entered the auction with a base price of Rs 2 crore, with Rajasthan immediately opening the bidding. Chennai Super Kings soon joined the contest and gradually upped the ante. After CSK pushed the bid to Rs 4.2 crore, Rajasthan briefly took a break before returning to Rs 4.4 crore, restarting the duel. The price shot up to Rs 5.8 crore before the Royals stepped in again at Rs 6 crore, at which point CSK withdrew. While Rajasthan looked set to seal the deal, Sunrisers Hyderabad came in with a bid of Rs 6.2 crore, forcing another round of bidding which ultimately ended at Rs 7.2 crore in favor of the Royals. On the pitch, Bishnoi brings strong recent form and valuable experience. In the 2025-2026 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he took nine wickets in seven matches while maintaining an economy rate of 8.40. In the IPL, he represented the Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants, appearing in 77 matches and taking 72 wickets. Bishnoi was part of the LSG team during the IPL 2025. With his roots in Rajasthan and his growing reputation as a reliable leg-spinner, Bishnoi’s return is expected to add both quality and excitement to the Royals’ bowling attack in the upcoming season.
