He is a spinner but has the aggression of a fast bowler. Having turned games around for Tamil Nadu in the shorter formats, R. Sai Kishore is eyeing a Ranji Trophy debut.
Perhaps, he may have to wait for his opportunity with senior left-arm spinner Rahil Shah also in the squad. Yet, it is only a matter of time before the 20-year-old eventually turns up for the State in the game’s longer variety.
Coached by T.K. Janakiraman in his early days, the youngster is someone with ability. Sai Kishore is tall, extracts bounce from a high-arm action, and does spin the ball. He has a useful arm-ball in his repertoire —a key ingredient for a left-arm spinner.
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The cricketer has impressed many. Among them is former Tamil Nadu and South Zone left-arm spinner Sunil Subramanium, a match-winner in his time, who calls Sai Kishore a mirror image of his younger self.
On his development from last year, Sai Kishore said here on Wednesday, “I am aware of the situations better, improved my preparation. I am here to make the cut. I now have the temperament to play Ranji Trophy.”
While he is making the transition mentally — temperamental in the past, he is a lot calmer these days —Sai Kishore is working on his skills with G. Jayakumar.
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On his equation with Rahil, Sai Kishore said, “Rahil is an experienced campaigner. I ask him about how he handles situations and pressure. He trains me.”
Asked about the difference in bowling between shorter and longer formats of the game, Sai Kishore said, “In the longer format, you have to get the batsman out of his shell. In the shorter format, he is already out of his shell, so it is easier.”
Danil Vettori is Sai Kishore’s role model. “You see how he bowls on any kind of wickets and how he adapts to situations.”
Talking about Sai Kishore, Tamil Nadu coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar said, “He has worked hard on his fitness and on his bowling. He is talented.”
This could be a momentous season for Sai Kishore. The hunger is there in the lad.