R Sai Kishore Player Profile: Rising Star of Indian Spin Bowling

R Sai Kishore, a tall six-foot-three left-arm spinner from Tamil Nadu, has impressed everyone with his accuracy and control. He quickly rose through Tamil Nadu’s domestic circuit, excelling in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) and the Indian Premier League (IPL). His consistent performances led to his T20I debut for India during the Asian Games in Hangzhou in 2023.

Early Career and Domestic Success

Sai Kishore made an immediate impact in just his second one-day game. He took four wickets in the 2016-17 Vijay Hazare semi-final, helping Tamil Nadu win the tournament. Moreover, he became one of the most reliable players in the TNPL, known for his tight economy rate and ability to pick early wickets.

Following his idol R Ashwin, Sai Kishore adopted the No. 99 jersey. He used his height and long fingers to generate impressive spin and bounce. During the 2019-20 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he topped the wicket-taking charts while leading Tamil Nadu to the final.

IPL Journey and Growth

Initially, Sai Kishore served as a net bowler for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in 2019. This opportunity allowed him to learn from legends like MS Dhoni and Harbhajan Singh. CSK signed him in 2020; however, he did not play any matches that season.

Despite that, Sai Kishore continued to shine in domestic cricket. He helped Tamil Nadu lift another Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, proving his mettle. In 2022, Gujarat Titans bought him for INR 3 crore. He grabbed six wickets in five matches and played a crucial role in their title-winning season.

Recent Achievements and India Debut

Later in 2022, Sai Kishore dominated in the Ranji Trophy, finishing as Tamil Nadu’s top wicket-taker with 29 wickets. He also took seven wickets in the Duleep Trophy final for South Zone. His consistent form earned him an India call-up in 2023.

In IPL 2024, he played five games, taking seven wickets. Gujarat Titans bought him back in the IPL 2025 auction using the Right-to-Match card for INR 2 crore. Clearly, his career continues to rise steadily.

Conclusion

R Sai Kishore’s cricketing journey is a story of patience, hard work, and smart progression. With his strategic spin bowling and calm presence under pressure, he is expected to be a key player for India in the coming years.