T20 cricket has changed massively, 170 now barely competitive: Bishnoi

India leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi said 170, once considered a winning total in T20 cricket, is now an average or below-par score. He highlighted the rapid evolution of the format and stressed the importance of sticking to processes and executing plans

New Delhi: India leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi said a score of 170, once considered a winning total in T20 cricket, has now become an average or below-par score, highlighting the rapid evolution of the shortest format.

Bishnoi came into the second game on Tuesday in place of wrist-spinner Varun Chakaravarthy, who was ruled out of the ongoing series against Afghanistan due to a side strain. In the match, which India won by seven wickets, Bishnoi returned figures of 1-32 in his four overs and dismissed top-order batter Sediqullah Atal.

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Reflecting on his performance in the second match and the changing dynamics of the shortest format, the 25-year-old spinner emphasised that executing practice drills and sticking to core processes remain vital when bowling on flat tracks and small grounds.

“It was a really good match. One important thing was that I was able to put into practice the things I had been working on during training. Being able to contribute to the team’s win made it even better.

“T20 cricket has changed a lot. From 2022 to 2026, things have changed massively. Back then, 170 was considered a minimum score. Today, 170 is barely a competitive total. What was once a winning score has now become an average or below-par score,” Bishnoi said in a chat with the broadcasters ahead of the third T20I at the Arun Jaitley Stadium here on Thursday.

Asked about his approach to handling tough bowling conditions, Jodhpur-based Bishnoi, who plays for Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL), said maintaining control and sticking to one’s strengths are key to success in the shortest format.

“My philosophy is to do what you know best and keep improving at it. You have to stick to your process and your plans. Playing on good pitches and small grounds is certainly a factor, but you also have to focus on your bowling, how much control you have, and whether you can execute the things you’ve been working on in practice,” he added.