Introduction: The Delivery That Silenced Mumbai
On March 12, 2021, Sai Kishore stood at the crease in Ahmedabad during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy final. Defending 12 runs in the last over against a star-studded Mumbai lineup, the left-arm spinner dismissed Shivam Dube and Tushar Deshpande in three balls, clinching Tamil Nadu’s second T20 title. That over wasn’t just a victory—it was the arrival of India’s most underrated spin wizard. Today, Kishore is a domestic titan, IPL hopeful, and Tamil Nadu’s cricketing pride. This blog explores his journey from Chennai’s maidans to the cusp of national fame.
Early Life and Background: Chennai’s Cricket Craftsman
Born on November 6, 1996, in Chennai, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore inherited athletic genes from his father, Ravisrinivasan, a former state-level sprinter. His mother, a schoolteacher, juggled shifts to fund his cricket gear. At 10, he joined Vivekananda College’s academy, mentored by former Tamil Nadu spinner Sunil Subramanian.
Key Early Milestones
- 2012: Captained Tamil Nadu U16 to a Vijay Merchant Trophy semifinal.
- 2015: Took 7/12 in a TNCA league match, attracting state selectors.
- 2017: Graduated from Loyola College with a B.Com degree while balancing cricket.
Domestic Career: The Silent Assassin of Tamil Nadu
Kishore’s accuracy and ability to thrive under pressure have made him Tamil Nadu’s go-to bowler.
Domestic Stats (As of July 2024)
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Bowling Avg | Economy | Best Figures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First-Class | 33 | 134 | 22.18 | 2.65 | 8/36 vs Punjab (2023) |
| List A | 48 | 72 | 24.50 | 4.10 | 5/22 vs Karnataka |
| T20s | 76 | 89 | 19.47 | 6.75 | 4/6 vs Mumbai (2021) |
Source: BCCI Domestic Records
Notable Achievements
- 2021 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: Tournament’s leading wicket-taker (15 wickets, economy 4.63).
- 2023 Ranji Trophy: 42 wickets, spearheading Tamil Nadu to the semifinals.
- 2024 Vijay Hazare Trophy: 18 wickets at 18.22, including a hat-trick vs Hyderabad.
IPL Journey: From Chennai Super Kings to Gujarat Titans’ Unsung Hero
Kishore’s IPL career has been a tale of patience. Signed by CSK in 2020 (₹20 lakh), he warmed the bench for two seasons. Gujarat Titans (GT) acquired him in 2022, valuing his domestic pedigree.
IPL Career Stats (2020–2024)
| Season | Team | Matches | Wickets | Economy | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Chennai Super Kings | 0 | – | – | Unused squad member |
| 2022 | Gujarat Titans | 3 | 2 | 7.50 | Debut vs LSG (1/24) |
| 2023 | Gujarat Titans | 5 | 6 | 6.90 | 3/18 vs SRH, Player of the Match |
| 2024 | Gujarat Titans | 8 | 11 | 6.45 | 4/25 vs RCB, Eco. King Award |
IPL 2025 Salary (Projected): ₹1.5–2 crore (Sources: Cricbuzz Auction Analysis)
Recent Career Highlights (2023–2024)
- Ranji Trophy 2023/24: Match-winning 8/36 vs Punjab, securing TN’s semifinal berth.
- Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) 2024: 14 wickets for Chepauk Super Gillies (Economy 5.80).
- Deodhar Trophy 2024: 12 wickets in 5 games, earning South Zone’s Player of the Series.
Net Worth and Endorsements: The Steady Financial Spin
At 27, Kishore’s net worth is estimated at ₹3–4 crore ($360,000–480,000), driven by:
- Cricket Earnings: ₹2 crore (IPL, TNCA contracts, and match fees).
- Endorsements: ₹50–60 lakh (deals with SG Cricket, GRT Jewellers, and Aachi Masala).
- Investments: Co-owns a Chennai-based fitness center and a cricket equipment startup.
Endorsement Portfolio
| Brand | Deal Type | Since |
|---|---|---|
| SG Cricket | Ball Sponsorship | 2021 |
| GRT Jewellers | Brand Ambassador | 2022 |
| Aachi Masala | Campaign Face | 2023 |
Personal Life: The Scholar of Spin
Kishore’s off-field life revolves around academia and anime. A self-proclaimed “math geek,” he tutors underprivileged students in Chennai during off-seasons. His Instagram (@saikishore_19) features anime art, yoga tutorials, and throwbacks to TNPL glory. Unmarried, he lives with his parents in Alwarpet, Chennai.
Future Prospects: The Road to Team India
With Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja aging, Kishore’s left-arm spin and lower-order hitting could earn him a T20I debut.
What’s Next?
- 2024/25 Season: Target: 50+ Ranji wickets and India A call-up.
- IPL 2025: Aim for 15+ wickets to secure a ₹3+ crore contract.
- County Cricket: Sussex and Leicestershire scouting him for 2025.
Conclusion: The Quiet Storm of Indian Cricket
Sai Kishore’s story isn’t about flashy headlines—it’s relentless grind. From tutoring kids to outsmarting IPL superstars, he embodies Chennai’s unyielding spirit. As IPL 2025 approaches, Kishore isn’t just spinning webs; he’s weaving a legacy, proving that consistency and calm can outshine glamour. Whether anchoring Tamil Nadu or plotting a county stint, he’s cricket’s quiet storm—unseen until it’s unstoppable.
Cricket isn’t just a sport; it’s a playground for stories, and I’m here to tell them with humor, creativity, and a touch of flair. Whether it’s the thrill of an IPL last-over finish or the quirks of a rising star, my words bring the game alive for the next-gen audience. Like an unorthodox stroke that surprises the bowler, my take on cricket is anything but predictable. And if you ask what’s on my mind—well, cricket, always cricket! 🏏🔥
