Former Indian opener Abhinav Mukund questioned Rajasthan Royals for dropping Ravi Bishnoi in the IPL 2026 match against PBKS on Tuesday. RR included rookie leg-spinner Yash Raj Punja in place of Bishnoi and the youngster returned with figures of 2-41 in his four overs.

Meanwhile, Bishnoi is the second-highest wicket-taker for RR in the ongoing season with 11 scalps in eight matches. He has bowled with an average of 20.81 and an economy rate of 9.54, and thus his non-selection was baffling.

Mukund reckons Bishnoi’s confidence would have taken a dip after he was dropped from the playing XI against the table-toppers.

Abhinav Mukund said on ESPN Cricinfo, “I’m not too much in agreement with the Yash Raj call, because I believe firmly that teams who have been successful over a period of time in the IPL have maintained a core of bowlers, or Indian players. And especially when Ravi Bishnoi has bowled well. If you’re going to drop him for another leggie, that’s going to dent his confidence massively.”

Mukund added that LSG didn’t make a wrong decision in releasing Ravi Bishnoi last year, as he wasn’t bowling well.

He added, “[LSG] didn’t make [a mistake in releasing him], Ravi Bishnoi was bowling badly at that point. But I don’t think he’s had a bad season this year.”

Bishnoi had scalped nine wickets in 11 matches of IPL 2025 at an average of 44.55 and a high economy rate of 10.83, and thus had failed to deliver the goods for LSG.

Rajasthan Royals will next take on the Delhi Capitals at the Sawai Man Singh Stadium, Jaipur, on Friday.