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Sai Kishore ahead of Duleep Trophy 2024 scheduled to commence on September 5 in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, and Bengaluru, is set to launch the red-ball cricket season in India. This prestigious First-Class tournament will feature some of the finest players from the international circuit, along with emerging young talents, all competing at the highest level. As the tournament approaches, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee faces a unique challenge, notably from one of India’s promising spinner is a R Sai Kishore.
R Sai Kishore, a consistent performer for the Tamil Nadu state team, recently made a comeback after recovering from an unusual injury he sustained during the IPL 2024 season. The 27-year-old spinner had suffered a freak injury while playing golf, which kept him sidelined for a significant period. However, he returned to action during the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL), initially playing solely as a batter. His full return to form was seen in the ongoing Buchi Babu Invitational Tournament. where he resumed his role as a spinner.
Sai Kishore is now gearing up to participate in the Duleep Trophy for Team B, where he will share the field with renowned spinners like Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar and Rahul Chahar. This tournament is not just another opportunity for him to prove his mettle but also a platform that could influence his selection for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh.
In a recent interview with The New Indian Express, Sai Kishore expressed his confidence in his abilities, stating that he is one of the best spinners in the country at the moment and is fully prepared to play a Test match for India. Reflecting on his rigorous training regimen, he said, “I feel so confident because I have never trained as hard as I have now. Before entering the IPL, I might have trained like this, but this time, I’ve gone beyond. Waking up at 4 am, training, and then bowling—I haven’t put in as many hours as I have this pre-season in the past four or five years.”
Sai Kishore’s determination is evident as he emphasized his readiness for the Test arena. “I feel I am one of the best spinner in the our team. Put me in a Test match, I am ready. I am not worried too much. Jadeja is there, and I have never played alongside him in the red-ball format. It will be a good learning experience, but I feel confident. I am more ready than ever.”
The Duleep Trophy could play a crucial role in determining the final squad for the two-match Test series against Bangladesh, starting September 19 in Chennai. With selectors closely monitoring performances, Sai Kishore’s showing in this tournament could be pivotal in shaping his future with the national team.
Sai Kishore raring to prove himself in Duleep Trophy
Sai Kishore, who will be playing in the upcoming Duleep Trophy for Team B, alongside top spinners like Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Rahul Chahar, recently made a confident statement regarding his readiness to play for India in Test matches. the interview with was a New Indian Express. the Tamil Nadu spinner expressed his belief that he is currently one of the best spinners in the country.
I feel so confident because I’ve never trained as intensely as I have now. Maybe before entering the IPL, I trained like this, but this time, I’ve gone even further. Waking up at 4 a.m., training and then bowling—I haven’t put in this many hours of work in the past four or five years. During the IPL was the focus on more to recovery, but after the TNPL I had a 15-20 day break, and I used it to the fullest,” Sai Kishore shared.
I believe the I’m one of the best spinner in the country. Put me in a Test match, and I’m ready. I’m not too worried. Playing alongside Jadeja will be a great learning experience, as I have never played with him in the red-ball format. We’ve been together in CSK, but this will be different. That said, I feel confident and more ready than ever.”
A media report suggested that the Duleep Trophy could significantly influence the selection of the 15-member squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh, which is set to begin on September 19. This tournament will be a crucial opportunity for Sai Kishore to showcase his skills and possibly secure a spot in the national team.
Kishore ready to play in Buchi Babu Trophy
Before the Duleep Trophy begins, Sai Kishore will lead TNCA XI against Haryana in the Buchi Babu Trophy 2024 in Coimbatore on August 21. In preparation for the high-profile domestic tournament, Kishore is focused on getting in as much game time as possible, with a goal of bowling 50 overs. The main reason I’m playing in the Buchi Babu Trophy is to get ready to bowl 50 overs,” Kishore shared. “I wanted to be part of this tournament because I want to play as much cricket as I can. Sometimes, injuries can be a blessing in disguise.
Cricketers often face burnout from playing too much, though that doesn’t happen to me as often. But when an injury occurs, it reignites the passion to play. If I need to bowl 50 overs, I’ll do it happily, with even more interest and fire. This injury has been a blessing, and I’m very eager to get back on the field,” he added enthusiastically. Kishore’s commitment to the game and his eagerness to return stronger highlight his dedication, making him even more motivated to perform well in the upcoming matches.
Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore Profile
Sai Kishore has consistently proven himself as a key player for Tamil Nadu, particularly in the 2018-19 Ranji Trophy, where he emerged as the leading wicket-taker for his team, claiming 22 wickets in just six matches. His impressive performance extended into the 2019 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he took 20 wickets in 12 games at an outstanding economy rate of 4.63. Remarkably, 15 of those wickets came during the Powerplay, showcasing his ability to deliver crucial breakthroughs early in the innings.
Recognizing his talent and composure, specially in the first six overs a Chennai-based franchise secured Sai Kishore during the auction for the 13th edition of the Indian T20 League. His performance was strong enough that the franchise chose to retain him for the following season as well. Sai Kishore’s ability to consistently perform under pressure has solidified his reputation as a reliable and impactful bowler in both domestic and T20 cricket.
Sai Kishore: The rise of the 6ft 5in cricketer from Tamil Nadu to IPL stardom
Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore, known as Sai Kishore, is a left-handed batsman and bowler for the Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League. He was born in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, and has represented India and Gujarat Titans. Sai Kishore’s height is 6 ft 5 in. He has played for Chepauk Super Gillies, Tamil Nadu, TUTI Patriots, Ruby Trichy Warriors, Chennai Super Kings, India, Gujarat Titans, Leicestershire, South Zone and Rest of India. Sai Kishore’s salary for the IPL 2023 is INR 3 crores and his net worth is INR 3.93 crores.
TEAMS SAI KISHORE PLAYED FOR
- Chepauk Super Gillies
- Tamil Nadu
- TUTI Patriots
- Ruby Trichy Warriors
- Chennai Super Kings
- India, Gujarat Titans
- Leicestershire
- South Zone Rest of India
