Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore, popularly known as Sai Kishore, is a name that’s making waves in Indian cricket. This talented left-arm spinner from Tamil Nadu has become a key player for Gujarat Titans (GT) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Born in Chennai, Sai Kishore’s journey from local grounds to the IPL is a story of hard work, skill, and determination. At 28 years old, he’s already shown the world what he’s capable of with his clever bowling and cool-headedness. In this article, we’ll dive into Sai Kishore’s biography, his early life, cricket career, latest IPL 2025 stats, and why he’s a player to watch out for in Indian cricket.
Early Life of Sai Kishore
Sai Kishore was born on November 6, 1996, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. His full name, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore, reflects his South Indian roots. Coming from a middle-class family, Sai didn’t have a fancy start. His father, Ravisrinivasan, worked as a bank employee, while his mother, Rajalakshmi, took care of the home. Sai was a quiet kid who loved cricket from a young age. He started playing in the streets of Chennai with friends, using a tennis ball like many Indian kids do.
His talent didn’t go unnoticed for long. When he was in school, his teachers and friends saw he had a knack for bowling. Sai joined the St. Bede’s Cricket Academy in Chennai, where his skills really started to shine. His coach there, D Vasu, a former Tamil Nadu cricketer, saw potential in the tall, lanky boy. Sai began as a medium-pacer but soon switched to left-arm orthodox spin. This change turned out to be a game-changer for his career.
Sai wasn’t just good at cricket; he was smart in studies too. He finished his Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from Loyola College, Chennai. Even with cricket taking up most of his time, he made sure to balance his education. This shows how disciplined he is, a quality that’s helped him succeed on the field too.
Cricket Journey: From Tamil Nadu to IPL
Sai Kishore’s cricket journey kicked off in Tamil Nadu’s domestic circuit. He made his first-class debut for Tamil Nadu in the Ranji Trophy in 2017 against Tripura. From the start, he showed he could trouble batsmen with his spin. His height – around 6 feet 4 inches – gives him an edge, letting him get extra bounce off the pitch. Over the years, he became a regular name in Tamil Nadu’s team across all formats – Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
In the 2019-20 Ranji Trophy season, Sai Kishore grabbed everyone’s attention. He took 20 wickets in just 6 matches, finishing as one of the top bowlers. His ability to bowl tight lines and pick wickets made him a star in domestic cricket. Then, in the 2021-22 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he topped the wicket-takers list for Tamil Nadu with 10 wickets in 8 matches. That season, Tamil Nadu won the trophy, and Sai played a big part in their success.
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His big break came when IPL teams started noticing him. Chennai Super Kings (CSK), a team close to his heart because of his Chennai roots, picked him up in the IPL 2020 auction for INR 20 lakh. But Sai didn’t get a chance to play in the CSK squad for two years. In 2022, Gujarat Titans bought him for INR 3 crore at the IPL mega auction. Though he didn’t get many games in GT’s title-winning season that year, he made an impact whenever he played.
IPL 2025: Sai Kishore Shines Bright
The IPL 2025 season has been a turning point for Sai Kishore. Playing for Gujarat Titans, he’s finally getting the chances he deserves. In the season opener against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on March 25, 2025, at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Sai stole the show. Even though GT lost the match by 11 runs, Sai Kishore’s spell of 3/30 in 4 overs was the highlight. He dismissed big names like Azmatullah Omarzai, Glenn Maxwell, and Marcus Stoinis, showing he can handle pressure against top batsmen.
Fans and experts couldn’t stop talking about his performance. Maxwell, who got out for a golden duck, fell to Sai’s clever spin, proving how tough he is to face. Sai’s economy rate of 7.50 in that high-scoring game showed his control, even when the opposition smashed 243 runs. This performance pushed him into the top 5 of the IPL 2025 Purple Cap standings after just one match, a huge achievement for the young spinner.
GT coach Ashish Nehra praised Sai after the match, saying, “He’s got the skill and the mindset. We knew he’d deliver when we gave him the ball.” Captain Shubman Gill also backed him, calling him a “key weapon” in GT’s bowling attack. With stars like Rashid Khan in the team, Sai Kishore is proving he can shine alongside the best.
Sai Kishore’s Playing Style
Sai Kishore is a left-arm orthodox spinner, a style that’s rare and tricky for batsmen. His tall frame helps him get bounce, and he uses his fingers to spin the ball sharply. He’s not just about turning the ball; he’s smart too. Sai mixes up his pace and length to keep batsmen guessing. In T20 cricket, where spinners often get hit, Sai’s accuracy and variations make him stand out.
He’s also a decent lower-order batsman, though he hasn’t had many chances to show it in the IPL. In domestic cricket, he’s scored useful runs, proving he’s not just a one-trick pony. His fielding is another plus – he’s quick and athletic, often saving runs for his team.
Sai Kishore Stats
Here’s a look at Sai Kishore’s cricket stats as of March 29, 2025:
| Tournament | Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling | Economy Rate | Runs Scored | Batting Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IPL (2022-2025) | 11 | 16 | 4/33 | 7.56 | – | – |
| Ranji Trophy (2017-2023) | 35 | 120 | 7/70 | 2.80 | 450 | 15.00 |
| Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy | 40 | 55 | 4/24 | 6.20 | 100 | 12.50 |
| Vijay Hazare Trophy | 25 | 38 | 5/45 | 4.50 | 150 | 18.75 |
| IPL 2025 (till March 29) | 1 | 3 | 3/30 | 7.50 | – | – |
Note: Stats are based on available data up to March 29, 2025.
What Makes Sai Kishore Special?
Sai Kishore’s rise isn’t just about numbers; it’s about his attitude. He’s calm under pressure, a quality every captain loves. In the IPL 2025 opener, even when Punjab Kings were smashing runs, Sai didn’t lose his cool. He stuck to his plans and got wickets when it mattered. This mental strength, combined with his skill, makes him a special player.
His journey from a small academy in Chennai to the IPL is inspiring. Sai didn’t have big connections or money to back him – he made it through pure talent and hard work. Tamil Nadu cricket fans see him as one of their own, a local boy who’s making it big.
Family and Support System
Sai Kishore’s family has been his backbone. His parents never stopped him from chasing his cricket dreams, even when money was tight. After his IPL debut, Sai thanked his father in an interview, saying, “He worked extra hours so I could focus on cricket.” His mother, Rajalakshmi, keeps him grounded, often cooking his favorite meals when he’s home.
His coaches, teammates, and friends from Chennai have also played a big role. Sai often talks about how Tamil Nadu’s cricket community helped him grow. “I owe a lot to my state and the people who believed in me,” he once said.
Future Ahead for Sai Kishore
At 28, Sai Kishore is just hitting his prime. IPL 2025 could be his breakout season if he keeps performing like he did against Punjab Kings. With Gujarat Titans set to face Mumbai Indians next, fans are excited to see if Sai can trouble stars like Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav.
Experts believe he’s close to an India call-up. His record in domestic cricket and now the IPL shows he’s ready for the big stage. If he keeps taking wickets and stays fit, Sai could soon wear the Indian jersey in T20Is or even ODIs. For now, his focus is on helping GT win matches and maybe even the IPL title.
Conclusion
Sai Kishore’s biography is a tale of grit and glory. From bowling in Chennai’s streets to spinning out IPL stars, he’s come a long way. His 3/30 spell in IPL 2025 has put him in the spotlight, and there’s no looking back. With his skill, hard work, and cool attitude, Sai Kishore is a name Indian cricket fans will hear a lot more of. Whether it’s domestic cricket or the IPL, this left-arm spinner is here to stay and make his mark! For SEO related work or queries just Google Karlo