RR sign discarded Team India spinner in IPL 2026 auction for ₹7.2 cr to partner Ravindra Jadeja

India leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi attracted a bidding war in the ongoing IPL 2026 auction, with the Rajasthan Royals, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and the SunRisers Hyderabad vying for his services at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. The Royals eventually emerged triumphant, signing him for ₹7.20 crore.

Bishnoi was released by the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) ahead of the auction after a disappointing IPL 2025. The 25-year-old managed only nine wickets in 11 matches in the 2025 edition at 44.26 apiece and had an economy rate of 10.84. Overall, the Rajasthan-born cricketer has claimed 72 scalps in 77 IPL matches, averaging 31.07.

With the Royals paying a massive amount of ₹7.20, the inaugural IPL champions will hope for the wrist-spinner to deliver the goods for them. Bishnoi will have the opportunity to bowl alongside spin-bowling all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who was part of the high-profile trade from the Super Kings.

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Ravi Bishnoi hasn't played for India since February 2025

Ravi Bishnoi. (Image Credits: Getty)

Bishnoi had a promising start to his international career, claiming figures of 4-0-17-2 in his first T20I. But the 25-year-old hasn't donned the national jersey since February 2025, when England toured India for three ODIs and five T20Is.

With the rise of Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav, Bishnoi has struggled to find a place in India's T20I line-up. But he has taken 61 scalps in 42 T20Is at an average of 19.37.

As for the Royals, they had a forgettable edition in 2025, finishing ninth in the standings with only four wins out of 14 games. With the franchise trading Sanju Samson to the Super Kings, they also have to look for a new captain ahead of IPL 2026.

The IPL 2026 auction has also seen Cameron Green become the most expensive overseas player in history as the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) secured his services for ₹25.20 crore. KKR also shelled out ₹18 crore for Sri Lankan speedster Matheesha Pathirana.