Sai Kishore impresses on debut

Having impressed observers in the shorter formats, after playing an instrumental role in his team Chepauk Super Gillies’ title-winning run in TNPL season two, the 20-year-old set his sights on replicating that performance in the longer version of the game. Even though he went wicketless on day one, he bowled an economical spell giving nothing away to the batsmen. 

He was parsimonious in his 14-over spell giving away only 29 runs and bowled five maidens. Indeed, he started off his first class career by bowling four consecutive maiden overs. That was something the Tamil Nadu coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar was impressed with. 

“Sai Kishore will feature prominently in the matches to follow. We wanted to give him a chance in this game and I’m pleased with his effort. Though these are still early days, he has shown a good approach to the game,” said Kanitkar. 

The wiry bowler had to wait till the 32nd over to get his turn to bowl. There was hope and expectation among the sparse gathering that a wicket on debut was round the corner. While that didn’t transpire, Sai Kishore held his own bowling against the veteran Yashpal Singh and the attack-minded Smit Patel. “What I’m happy about is that he bowled a tidy spell and didn’t give easy runs. He will get much better through the season with more matches under his belt,” added the coach.