Sai Kishore has become a notable name in Indian domestic cricket and the IPL with his consistent performances. A left-arm spinner with remarkable skill, he has impressed fans and critics alike since his debut in 2017. Here’s a detailed look into his journey and career in the IPL.
Early Days: From Domestic Cricket to IPL
Sai Kishore made a name for himself as a key player for Tamil Nadu, both in domestic cricket and the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL). His consistent wicket-taking performances caught the eye of IPL franchises. In 2020, he earned his first IPL contract with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for ₹20 lakh.
IPL Debut: A Promising Start in 2022
Sai Kishore debuted for Gujarat Titans (GT) on May 10, 2022, against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). It was a memorable day for him as he played a pivotal role in restricting LSG to just 82 runs. The left-arm spinner picked up two wickets in two overs, conceding only seven runs.
In his debut season, he showcased his potential by taking six wickets in five matches, including two wickets in the final, helping GT clinch the title.
IPL 2024: Sporadic Opportunities but Solid Impact
After sitting out the entire 2023 season, Sai Kishore returned in IPL 2024 with five appearances. Despite limited opportunities, he displayed his talent, including a stellar four-wicket haul against Punjab Kings.
His 2024 season stats:
- Matches: 5
- Wickets: 7
- Best Bowling: 4/33
- Economy: 9.13
Unfortunately, his last match of the season against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) ended on a disappointing note for Gujarat Titans as RCB chased down a massive target of 201 runs.
IPL Career Summary
Bowling Stats:
| Year | Matches | Balls | Runs | Wickets | BBI | Ave | Econ | SR | 4W | 5W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 5 | 90 | 137 | 7 | 4/33 | 19.57 | 9.13 | 12.8 | 1 | 0 |
| 2022 | 5 | 96 | 121 | 6 | 2/7 | 20.17 | 7.56 | 16.0 | 0 | 0 |
| Career | 10 | 186 | 258 | 13 | 4/33 | 19.84 | 8.32 | 14.3 | 1 | 0 |
IPL Auction Price & Franchise History
Sai Kishore’s journey in the IPL has seen significant changes:
| Year | Price | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | ₹20 lakh | Chennai |
| 2021 | ₹20 lakh | Chennai |
| 2022 | ₹3 crore | Gujarat |
| 2023 | ₹3 crore | Gujarat |
| 2024 | ₹3 crore | Gujarat |
The Titans didn’t retain him for IPL 2025, but his performances make him a strong contender for the auction, where teams like Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals might bid for him.
Future Prospects: What’s Next for Sai Kishore?
Sai Kishore has proven his mettle in the IPL and domestic cricket. Though he hasn’t received consistent opportunities, his performances have made him a valuable asset. With franchises like Gujarat Titans focusing on spinners, it’s likely they’ll bid to bring him back in IPL 2025.
The road ahead looks promising for Sai Kishore, with plenty of opportunities to establish himself as one of the best left-arm spinners in the league.
Sai Kishore’s consistency and potential ensure his spot as a player to watch out for in the upcoming IPL seasons.(cricket betting app)