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Former India batter Ambati Rayudu has shown strong support for spinner Sai Kishore’s inclusion in the Indian national cricket team. This comes after Sai Kishore’s impressive performances in the ongoing IPL 2025 season. Kishore, who plays for Gujarat Titans, has become the second-highest wicket-taker among all spinners, having taken eight wickets in just four matches at an economy rate of 7.06.

Sai Kishore, 28, stands out for his consistency and skill. He began the IPL 2025 with notable performances including a three-wicket haul against Punjab Kings and taking two wickets each in matches against Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad. These performances have not only showcased his talent but have also caught the attention of experienced players like Rayudu.

Rayudu has praised Kishore’s work ethic, dedication to practice, and his habit of seeking feedback from batsmen to improve his game. Kishore is recognized for his control over bowling length and his ability to tailor his bowling technique for each batsman, setting him apart from other bowlers. Rayudu noted that Sai Kishore rarely celebrates his wickets but had a planned celebration for Heinrich Klaasen’s wicket during their win over Sunrisers Hyderabad, where Kishore’s figures were 2-24, also claiming the wicket of Nitish Kumar Reddy.

Despite Kishore’s limited international exposure— having played just three T20Is for India during the Asian Games in October 2023— his domestic performances make a strong case for his inclusion in the main national team. Rayudu remarked, “I think, going forward, it will be great if he gets into the Indian side because he is as good as anybody who is playing in the Indian team now.”

With a career T20 economy rate of 5.98 from 74 matches, Sai Kishore has consistently demonstrated his capabilities. It remains to be seen if his IPL performance will earn him a spot in the national team, but the endorsement from a seasoned player like Ambati Rayudu certainly strengthens his prospects.

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