From the Shadows to the Spotlight: How Sai Kishore Found His Groove in the IPL
It’s not every day that you see a young spinner quietly making waves in the IPL, especially when big names dominate headlines. But this season, Sai Kishore has been that silent assassin for Gujarat Titans—picking up wickets, maintaining discipline, and playing a crucial role when it mattered most. What’s more interesting is that his journey to this point wasn’t one of overnight success—it was about patience, learning, and mentorship from some of the greatest minds in Indian cricket.
📌 “It felt like an internship!” – Sai Kishore’s CSK Days
Not every player gets to walk straight into the playing XI. Sai Kishore knows this all too well. He was part of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for two seasons and didn’t get a single match. But instead of feeling disheartened, Kishore chose to look at the brighter side.
“Yeah, CSK played a huge role in shaping me. It felt like two years of internship!” he laughed while speaking in an exclusive conversation on Star Sports Press Room.
Being picked up from the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, CSK became his first IPL home. While he couldn’t feature on the field, the dressing room experience with legends like MS Dhoni gave him invaluable insights.
“Those two years were really valuable. I asked a lot of questions—how to bowl in pressure situations, how to read batsmen, how to stay composed. You learn a lot by observing, but real learning begins only when you get match experience,” he added with a candid smile.
✨ Kishore’s Magic Numbers This Season
While Rashid Khan, Gujarat Titans' premier spinner, took some time to find his rhythm this season, Kishore stepped up like a true pro. His performance has been nothing short of brilliant.
📊 Sai Kishore in IPL 2025 (so far):
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Matches played: 11
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Wickets taken: 14
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Bowling average: 17.64
These numbers don’t just speak volumes—they scream impact.
💬 Learning from Legends: MS Dhoni’s Massive Influence
When asked about the biggest influences on his cricketing career, Sai Kishore didn’t even pause.
“I can't look past MS Dhoni – the influence he's had on me has been huge,” he said firmly.
It’s no surprise, really. Dhoni’s calm demeanor, strategic captaincy, and his ability to stay composed in the tensest moments have become part of cricketing folklore. And that had a deep impact on Kishore’s mindset.
“The way he led the team, the calmness with which he approached different situations – it shaped the way I look at the game today,” Kishore reflected.
You can clearly see that same sense of mental clarity and cool-headedness when Kishore comes on to bowl. It’s like he’s absorbed a bit of Dhoni’s calm each season.
🧠 Mentorship That Matters: Ashish Nehra & R. Ashwin
The support and guidance didn’t stop with CSK. After moving to Gujarat Titans, Kishore came under the wings of two more cricketing masterminds – Ashish Nehra and Ravichandran Ashwin.
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Ashish Nehra: Known for his relaxed yet razor-sharp coaching style, Nehra has been pivotal in building a solid team culture at GT. Kishore spoke warmly about him:
“Ashu pa has this unique way of handling the team. It’s rare to see a coach with such a composed and supportive approach. He gives you confidence without saying too much.”
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R Ashwin: Another spin wizard who’s left a mark on Kishore’s evolution. From technical advice to mental game, Ashwin has helped Kishore refine his approach.
“Ashubhai has also made a great impact on me. Both MS Dhoni and Ashwin bhai are people who’ve genuinely shaped my cricket,” said the left-arm spinner.
💥 What Makes Kishore Special?
Here’s the thing – it’s not just about taking wickets. Sai Kishore brings a complete package to the table:
✅ Left-arm orthodox with consistency
✅ Can bowl during powerplays and in middle overs
✅ Calm under pressure
✅ Doesn’t rely too much on variations – sticks to basics and backs himself
✅ Mentally strong – doesn’t get fazed even if he gets hit
That’s rare for someone who hasn’t been under the IPL spotlight for long.
🔄 From Benchwarmer to Game-Changer
Kishore’s story is a reminder that being on the bench isn’t a waste of time—it’s about soaking in everything you can until your time arrives. And when it did, he made sure he didn’t just make up the numbers. He became an impact player.
It’s inspiring how he handled the disappointment of not getting games with CSK but turned that into a phase of intense learning. He didn’t sulk; he studied. He didn’t complain; he prepared.
🎯 Eyes on the Future: What’s Next for Sai Kishore?
With the way he’s been bowling this season, don’t be surprised if Kishore soon gets a look-in for Team India. Spinners who can bowl economically, pick up wickets, and stay mentally sharp are always in demand in T20s—and Kishore ticks all those boxes.
And while he’s still young in terms of international experience, his mentality is rock solid. Having been mentored by the likes of Dhoni, Nehra, and Ashwin, he’s got a solid foundation to build a long, successful career.
Final Word: The Rise of a Quiet Warrior
In a league dominated by fast bowlers, big sixes, and flashy celebrations, Sai Kishore’s rise is subtle but strong. He’s not someone who’ll go viral with aggressive send-offs or outrageous celebrations. But give him the ball, and he’ll deliver quietly, efficiently, and effectively.
He’s one of those players who remind us why cricket is not just about flair—it’s about focus, discipline, and hunger to improve.
So the next time you see Kishore come on to bowl in the middle overs, don’t change the channel. You might just witness a masterclass in calm, calculated bowling—something he’s been patiently preparing for ever since those “internship days” at CSK.
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