Shane Watson, during his match-winning knock for the Chennai Super Kings [ CSK ] against Kings XI Punjab [ KXIP ], wasn’t comfortable with leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi’s run-up and even had a discussion with the umpire about it.
The three-time champions CSK romped through their chase of 179, thanks to their experienced opening pair of Shane Watson and Faf du Plessis, who got them home with more than two overs to spare. They looked comfortable against every bowler, including Bishnoi, who returned figures of 0-33 until the spinner’s run-up in his last over of the night somewhat troubled Watson.
CSK win by 10 wickets. 🔥
They rise up to the sixth spot on the #IPL2020 table.
Can this be the start of a turnaround?#KXIPvCSK pic.twitter.com/BvrOArSWCM
— Wisden India (@WisdenIndia) October 4, 2020
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Bishnoi was running across from mid-on’s direction, between the umpire and the stumps, to bowl over the wicket in the 16th over. Watson first asked the umpire to clarify where the leg-spinner is bowling from before having another brief chat with the official after the first delivery.
However, it’s unclear whether Watson was making a complaint about the run-up or confirming if KL Rahul, the KXIP captain, who was stationed right behind the umpire, can field from the spot. Watson and Rahul were involved in another discussion after the end of the over.
Watson knew! 😮#KXIPvCSK | #IPL2020 pic.twitter.com/qFA0ipht3R
— Wisden India (@WisdenIndia) October 4, 2020
The run-up of Bishnoi, who finished the highest wicket-taker at the U19 World Cup earlier this year, has been a talking point for some time now. The spinner, who started off his career as a medium-pacer, had revealed the secret behind it ahead of IPL 2020.
“The coaches in Jodhpur once saw me bowling leg-spin casually without run-up; they were impressed and told me, I should try this,” he told Hindustan Times. “I worked hard at it and got better. So, the leg-spin is mixed in a medium pacer’s run-up.”
