For a leg-spinner known for his googlies and control, the 17th over of England's chase in Chennai turned into a nightmare. Ravi Bishnoi, one of India's most promising young spinners, delivered three no-balls in a single T20I innings — an unwanted first for any spinner from an ICC Full Member nation. The over cost 29 runs, and with it, India's hopes of taking a 1-0 lead in the five-match series evaporated.
The Over That Changed the Match
England needed 60 runs from the last four overs when Bishnoi was handed the ball for the 17th over. What followed was a collapse of discipline. Bishnoi overstepped three times — two of those in the same over — gifting England free hits and momentum. Jacob Bethell, who had been steady till then, seized the opportunity, smashing boundaries off the free hits and turning the chase decisively in England's favour.
Why Bishnoi's Record Matters for Indian Cricket
This isn't just a personal low for Bishnoi. For a team that prides itself on bowling depth, seeing a frontline spinner lose control at a critical moment raises questions about pressure management. No-balls in T20 cricket are particularly costly — they give batters a free hit, often turning a tight chase into a comfortable one. Bishnoi's three no-balls in a single innings is the most by any spinner from a Full Member nation in men's T20Is, a record no bowler wants.
How England's Chase Unfolded
England's target of 191 was challenging but not impossible on a good batting surface. Openers Phil Salt and Jos Buttler got them off to a brisk start, but India's bowlers struck back in the middle overs. Bethell, however, anchored the chase with composure, rotating strike and punishing loose deliveries. By the time Bishnoi's over arrived, England needed just over eight runs per over — a manageable rate that became even easier after the 29-run over. Bethell finished unbeaten on 76, guiding England home with an over to spare.
Who Is Affected: Fans, Selectors, and Bishnoi's Career Path
For Indian fans, the loss stings — especially after a strong batting performance. For selectors, Bishnoi's no-ball problem adds to concerns about consistency in the spin department. With the T20 World Cup still a distant goal, every series matters for players trying to cement their spots. Bishnoi, once seen as a future star, now faces questions about his ability to handle pressure in high-stakes chases.
What Team India and Bishnoi Said
Post-match, team management acknowledged the no-ball issue but backed Bishnoi's overall potential. "It's a learning moment," a team source said, speaking on condition of anonymity. "Ravi knows he needs to work on his front foot landing. He's too good a bowler to let this define him." Bishnoi himself did not comment publicly, but the disappointment was visible as he walked off the field.
The Deeper Problem: No-Balls in Indian Bowling
Bishnoi's record is part of a wider concern. Indian bowlers have struggled with no-balls in recent years, with several key matches affected by overstepping. In T20 cricket, where margins are razor-thin, a single no-ball can swing a game. Bishnoi's three in one innings is an extreme example, but it highlights a discipline issue that the team management must address urgently.
Confirmed Facts vs What Remains Unclear
Confirmed: Ravi Bishnoi bowled three no-balls in the 2nd T20I against England, becoming the first spinner from an ICC Full Member nation to do so in men's T20Is. His 17th over conceded 29 runs. England chased 191 with an over to spare. Jacob Bethell scored 76*.
Unclear: Whether Bishnoi will be dropped for the next match. Whether the team management will enforce stricter no-ball drills. Whether this affects his long-term selection prospects.
What Makes Bishnoi Special — and Why This Record Hurts More
Bishnoi's strength has always been his variety — googlies, leg-breaks, and subtle changes of pace. He was the leading wicket-taker in the 2020 U-19 World Cup and has been groomed as India's next big spinner. His ability to bowl in the powerplay and middle overs made him a valuable asset. But no-balls undermine all that. A bowler who can't land his front foot consistently loses his biggest weapon: control.
Risks and Concerns: What Critics Are Saying
Critics argue that Bishnoi's no-ball problem isn't new — he has occasionally overstepped in domestic cricket and IPL. The difference now is that it happened on the international stage, in a tight chase. Some believe the team management should have pulled him out of the attack after the second no-ball. Others point out that India's bowling attack lacks a reliable death-overs spinner, and Bishnoi's failure only highlights that gap.
The Bigger Picture: India's T20 Bowling Depth Under Scrutiny
This match is part of a larger trend. India's T20 bowling has often relied on pace in the death overs, with spinners used mainly in the middle. Bishnoi's failure shows that when a spinner is asked to bowl in a high-pressure situation, discipline becomes paramount. With the T20 World Cup approaching, India needs bowlers who can handle any phase of the game — and Bishnoi's record raises doubts about his readiness.
What Indian Fans and Selectors Should Watch For
For fans, the key question is how Bishnoi responds. Will he work on his front foot landing? Will the team management give him another chance in the next match? For selectors, this is a test of patience — do they persist with a talented but error-prone bowler, or look for alternatives like Ravi Bishnoi's replacement in the squad?
What Happens Next in the Series
India trail 1-0 with three matches to play. The third T20I will be crucial — a loss would put India in a must-win situation. Expect the team to address the no-ball issue in training, possibly with stricter drills. Bishnoi may or may not retain his place, but the team will need a better bowling performance to level the series.
Our Take
Ravi Bishnoi's unwanted record is a reminder that talent alone isn't enough at the international level. Discipline, especially in T20 cricket, separates good bowlers from great ones. Bishnoi has the skill to bounce back — but he must fix his front foot landing urgently. For India, this loss is a wake-up call about bowling depth and pressure management. The series is far from over, but the margin for error has shrunk.
Frequently Asked Questions
What record did Ravi Bishnoi set in the 2nd T20I against England?
Ravi Bishnoi became the first spinner from an ICC Full Member nation to bowl three no-balls in a men's T20I. His 17th over conceded 29 runs, allowing England to chase down 191.
How many runs did Jacob Bethell score in England's chase?
Jacob Bethell scored an unbeaten 76, guiding England to victory with an over to spare.
What was the target for England in the 2nd T20I?
England chased down 191 runs set by India, winning with an over to spare.
Will Ravi Bishnoi be dropped for the next match?
It is unclear. The team management may give him another chance or rest him to work on his no-ball issue. No official decision has been announced.
