Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra believes the upcoming season of Indian Premier League 2026 will present a good opportunity for Rajasthan Royals’ leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi. The leg-spinner was picked by the inaugural champions for INR 7.20 crore in IPL 2026 mini auction.
Bishnoi was released by Lucknow Super Giants after Digvesh Singh Rathi performed better in the previous season. The leg-spinner scalped nine wickets in 11 matches in IPL 2025 at an average of 44.55 and an economy rate of 10.83.
“What a fantastic opportunity for Ravi Bishnoi. You have wasted your chance a little. He took a lot of wickets. In fact, when he played, he was the highest wicket-taker, but he is now not part of the Indian team. He isn’t part of the conversation. This IPL season can change all of that. So I see a massive opportunity for him,” Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.
The renowned commentator said RR captain Riyan Parag has a great opportunity to repay the faith that has been shown in him by the franchise.
“Riyan Parag, this franchise has invested in you at such a young age and made you the captain. Of course, he captains for Assam, but it’s a huge investment of faith. He was made a captain last year as a stopgap arrangement, which was okay, but don’t judge him on that. So this opportunity, it is massive for Riyan Parag,” he observed.
Chopra reckons Yashasvi Jaiswal is a three-format batter for India but he is currently getting his chances only in the red-ball version because of the intense competition.
“Yashasvi Jaiswal, what an opportunity. He was part of the winning team in the T20 World Cup 2024, but he disappeared suddenly after that. IPL is the stage where you prove your mettle and show people that you are still there. He is your legit three-format player, but is getting a chance in only one format at the moment. That is a huge opportunity for him,” he said.
The former KKR batter added Dhruv Jurel will also have an opportunity to prove his mettle in IPL 2026.
“Dhruv Jurel, they spent ₹14 crore on you because of your great potential. This is the opportunity to make it a 400-450-run season, where he stamps his authority,” Chopra observed.
Riyan Parag’s team will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against five-time champions Chennai Super Kings at Guwahati on 30th March.
