Another big blow before the Buchi Babu Tournament 2025, scheduled to start on August 18 and conclude on September 9 in Chennai. Before that, one of the captains of the teams had been ruled out from the competition.

Due to injury reasons, Sai Kishore will not be able to take part in the prestigious tournament. Pradosh Ranjan Paul is named to take over the reins. Notably, another big name, Sai Sudharsan, also will not be participating in the Buchi Babu Tournament this year. Before the tournament begins, there are multiple changes underway in both of the squads.

Sai Kishore's absence can be a major setback for TNCA President’s XI and for the tournament also, as the spinner made his mark brilliantly while playing for Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2025. In 15 matches for Gujarat Titans, the left-arm orthodox took 19 wickets at an average of 20.68, including his best figure of the season, 3/30. Kishore has been playing for Gujarat since IPL 2022. In his 3 IPL seasons and 25 matches, he claimed 32 scalps in total. According to the actual Buchi Babu squads, Sai was assigned to lead the TNCA president's XI, and as he will not be available for the matches, Paul will captain the side. 

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Buchi Babu squads:

TNCA President’s XI: Pradosh Ranjan Paul (Capt.), C. Andre Siddarth C (Vice-capt.), B. Indrajith, Vijay Shankar, R. Vimal Khumar, S. Radhakrishnan, S. Lokeshwar, G. Ajitesh, J. Hemchudeshan, R.S. Ambrish, C.V. Achyuth, H. Trilok Nag, P. Saravana Kumar, P. Vidyuth, and K. Abhinav.

TNCA XI: M. Shahrukh Khan (Capt.), Boopathi Vaishna Kumar (Vice-capt.), B. Sachin, M. Siddharth, Tushar Raheja, Kiran Karthikeyan, S. Mohamed Ali, S. Rithik Easwaran, S.R. Athish, S. Lakshay Jain, D.T. Chandrasekar, P. Vignesh, R. Sonu Yadav, D. Deepesh, J. Prem Kumar, A. Esakkimuthu, and T.D. Lokesh Raj.

Gujarat Titans (GT) made a dream start to their Indian Premier League (IPL) journey, clinching the title in their debut season in 2022. Since then, they have maintained impressive consistency, securing three playoff spots in four years. In IPL 2025, GT dominated the group stage and topped the points table for most of the season. However, a dip in form during the final stages saw them slip to third place, eventually losing the Eliminator to five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) by 20 runs. Despite the setback, Shubman Gill lead GT will aim to retain their core while adding reinforcements ahead of IPL 2026.

Throughout their IPL journey, GT has been known for unearthing match-winners and maintaining a balanced squad. In IPL 2025, several players stood out with their performances, contributing significantly to the team’s success in the league stage. Their impact with both bat and ball not only helped GT remain competitive but also boosted their market value. Given the auction dynamics, some of these standout performers could explore opportunities to attract higher bids by entering the IPL 2026 mini-auction instead of staying with their current contracts.

See Also: 4 Mega trades that could take place before IPL 2026 Auction

While GT is expected to retain key match-winners, certain players may opt for release to maximise their value. The upcoming mini-auction offers franchises a chance to spend big on proven performers, and GT’s top contributors from 2025 fit that bill perfectly. Players who showcased consistency, match-winning ability, and adaptability across different match situations will be in high demand. This makes it possible that GT could see a few of their standout stars seeking fresh contracts for the 2026 season.

Washington Sundar

All-rounder Washington Sundar, who was bought by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for INR 8.75 crore in IPL 2022, became a bargain signing for Gujarat Titans (GT) at just INR 3.20 crore during the IPL 2025 auction. The Tamil Nadu cricketer made a strong impact with the bat, scoring 133 runs at a blistering strike rate of 166.25. His ability to accelerate in crucial moments added depth to GT’s middle order and provided valuable contributions in pressure situations, making him a standout performer despite his relatively low auction price.

Sundar also chipped in with the ball, taking two wickets in 10.5 overs during the season, though he had an economy rate of 10.25. Beyond the IPL, his impressive performances in the recently concluded India vs England Test series have further enhanced his reputation. With his all-round skills and current form, interest from other franchises ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction could increase significantly, potentially leading to a higher bid if he decides to enter the player pool.

Sai Kishore

Spinner Sai Kishore established himself as one of the rising stars in T20 cricket during the recent IPL season. Initially signed by Gujarat Titans (GT) for INR 3 crore ahead of IPL 2022, his modest performances in the following years saw him re-acquired for a reduced price of INR 2 crore. However, in IPL 2025, with Rashid Khan struggling to hit peak form, Kishore quietly stepped up, delivering consistent performances and playing a crucial role in the team’s bowling attack during the group stages and high-pressure matches.

Kishore’s 2025 campaign was his most impactful yet, as he picked up 19 wickets in 15 matches, maintaining an economy rate of 9.25. His ability to break partnerships and bowl in key phases gave GT an edge in tight games. After such a standout season, the left-arm spinner might consider requesting a release ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction, hoping to attract a bigger bid from other franchises looking for a dependable and in-form spinner.

Anuj Rawat

Young wicketkeeper-batter Anuj Rawat was signed by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for INR 3.40 crore ahead of IPL 2022. Over three seasons, he featured in 22 matches, amassing 318 runs. Following his release from the RCB squad, Gujarat Titans (GT) picked him up at his base price of INR 30 lakh in the IPL 2025 auction. However, despite being part of the squad, Rawat did not get a single game in GT’s 15-match campaign during the season, spending the entire tournament on the sidelines.

Currently, the 25-year-old southpaw is making headlines in the ongoing Delhi Premier League (DPL) 2025 with his explosive batting form. He has already accumulated 232 runs at a scorching strike rate of 184.13, including three half-centuries in the tournament so far. His current purple patch could increase interest from franchises ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction, with teams potentially viewing him as a dynamic middle-order option and an effective wicketkeeping backup.

Surrey moved top of the points table in the English County Championship Division One 2025, at least for some hours, after beating Durham by five wickets. The 28-year-old Indian left-arm spinner R Sai Kishore claimed a five-wicket haul in the third innings of the match.

Rory Burns-led Surrey bowled out Durham for 344 runs in the third innings of the match, as Surrey had the 176-run target in the fourth innings of the match. Surrey won the match after chasing the fourth innings target by losing five wickets.

See Also: Yuzvendra Chahal shines with 6 wickets in County Championship

Sai Kishore recorded 5/72

During the third innings of the match, Sai Kishore was the star bowler for Surrey as he had the bowling figures of 41.4-12-72-5. It was his first five-wicket haul in the ongoing County Championship. Three out of his five wickets of the innings he picked up on Thursday (July 31). His bowling led Surrey to take the last four wickets for 33 runs. 

Earlier, in the first innings of the match, Durham were bundled out for only 153 runs, where Sai Kishore had the bowling figures of 12-1-26-2. Surrey replied with 322 runs in their first innings of the game. 

The Indian left-arm spinner also picked up two wickets in both innings during Surrey's previous game of the tournament against Yorkshire, where the match was ended in a draw, while Surrey earned the six points after earning the first innings lead.  

R Sai Kishore is in great form

Before the ongoing County season, Sai Kishore performed well in the Tamil Nadu Premier League 2025, where he was the joint fifth most wicket-taker in the tournament with 12 wickets in nine games for IDream Tiruppur Tamizhans. The left-handed batter also scored 129 runs, including one half-century. 

Sai Kishore was also the second leading wicket-taker among the spinners in the IPL 2025 as he recorded 19 wickets in 15 games for Gujarat Titans. He also served for India in the Asian Games 2023, where India won their first medal. 

When Surrey signed R Sai Kishore for the last few games of the County Championship 2025, it was expected to see the left-arm spinner earn success with his excellent bowling. On July 30, he showed his skills during the red-ball clash against Durham at Riverside Ground in Chester-Le-Street. He made a huge impact in his second appearance for the side.

It was the magical delivery from the Tamil Nadu spinner that caught the eyes of the world as the video went viral. One of the dream deliveries for any left-arm spinner is to loop the ball in the air and square the batter in two halves. It was the delivery from the GT spinner that was middle on the middle of the surface and held its line.

See Also: Bharat Arun to join this franchise ahead of IPL 2026

The Durham wicket-keeper batter, Ollie Robbinson, had no idea of how to deal with the delivery. He pushed back to the back foot and was bamboozled by the straight line, seeing it holding the straight line, and crashed into the stump. The batter got dismissed for two runs in five runs.

Watch: R Sai Kishore bowls dream delivery for Surrey during County Championship 2025

Later, the spinner picked up the wicket of Bas de Leede for a four-ball duck after being adjudged leg before the stumps. The home side won the toss and opted to bat first. Captain Alex Lees got 34 runs in 70 balls while Colin Ackerman drilled 51 runs in 104 balls, hitting six boundaries. Matthew Potts got 32 runs as they were bundled out for 153 runs in 55.1 overs.

 

 

 

 

 

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Surrey didn’t get a good start in the second innings as they lost both their openers for 23 runs in the first hour. Ryan Patel rescued them with 58 runs in 72 balls at a strike rate of 80.56, thanks to nine boundaries and one six. Dan Lawrence nailed an unbeaten 68 runs in 84 balls at a strike rate of 80.95, thanks to nine fours and one six.

Surrey ended the day with 182/5, having already taken a lead of 29 runs. They are at the top of the points table in Division One of the County Championship 2025 with three victories in 10 encounters with 154 points.

Indian left-arm spinner R Sai Kishore claimed his first wicket in the English County Championship, and it was a prized one: England star Jonny Bairstow. In a truncated day of play at Scarborough, Kishore dismissed Bairstow for a fluent 72, as Yorkshire moved to 376 for 5 against Surrey in their 10th round Rothesay County Championship fixture.

Play on day two began late at 1 pm due to a wet outfield, with Yorkshire resuming on 282 for 4. Bairstow was unbeaten on 19 overnight, joined by Matthew Revis, who was yet to score. The pair went on to stitch together an 88-run partnership, with Bairstow taking the lead in an aggressive display.

Bairstow looked in sublime touch, dispatching Dan Worrall for consecutive cover drives to bring up Yorkshire’s 300. He later brought up a 68-ball half-century, his sixth of the season and third against Surrey, by sweeping Sai Kishore for six. It was vintage Bairstow, combining power with precision as Yorkshire’s dominance grew under bright sunshine.

Watch the video:

Sai Kishore won an intriguing battle with Jonny Bairstow! 💥

🤎 | #SurreyCricket pic.twitter.com/jZNmSOb24B

— Surrey Cricket (@surreycricket) July 23, 2025

We're still of the field here in Scarborough. 😢

Enjoy Sai Kishore's first Surrey wicket while we wait for some updates. 🎬

🤎 | #SurreyCricket https://t.co/BHs30FCeeh pic.twitter.com/1xucZPVyae

— Surrey Cricket (@surreycricket) July 23, 2025

ALSO SEE: Captain Ayush Mhatre slams 64-ball century in Youth Test

Bairstow's aggression cut short as Sai Kishore bags memorable first wicket in County cricket

His attacking intention ultimately proved to be his downfall. Having tried the aerial route against Kishore once more, Bairstow badly skewed the shot and was caught by Will Jacks at deep mid-on. It was a big wicket for Surrey and a special moment for Kishore, who is on his first County stint.

Despite the sunshine earlier in the day, umpires Nigel Llong and Russell Warren remained cautious due to the soggy outfield and problematic bowlers' run-ups, remnants of heavy rain from the previous day. Further rain arrived after 2.35 pm, cutting short the day's proceedings, and play was eventually called off at 4.40 pm.

Matthew Revis was unbeaten on 34 and Will Sutherland on 6 when the players walked off. Yorkshire will hope to push on with the bat if weather permits on day three, while Kishore’s breakthrough has given Surrey a much-needed opening in the contest. For the 28-year-old spinner, the wicket of Bairstow is not just a milestone, but a potential launchpad for further impact in English conditions.

Surrey, a successful county side in England, have signed the high-rated spinner, R Sai Kishore, for the upcoming two County Championship 2025 fixtures. The left-arm spinner plays for the Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League (IPL) under Shubman Gill’s captaincy and is also the leader of the Tamil Nadu side in India’s red-ball competition, the Ranji Trophy.

Sai Kishore, the six-foot-three spinner, will remain available for Surrey’s next two County clashes, where they will use the Kookaburra ball. The first of the games will be a trip to Scarborough to face Yorkshire from July 22, before heading to Chester-Le-Street to take on Durham on July 29. The spinner’s experience will be valuable for the side’s spin department.

SEE ALSO: 'It’s almost my T20 grip....' - Steven Smith opens up on tackling his back problem in WI vs AUS 2nd Test

“I'm really excited to be joining Surrey for the next two County Championship matches. Surrey are one of the most prestigious clubs in the world, and I have heard great things about the set-up from lots of different people in the game.” Kishore addressed in a statement quoted by Surrey.

Surrey sign Sai Kishore for two County Championship matches

In his first game, Kishore will be up against his former Chennai Super Kings teammate Ruturaj Gaikwad. He revealed his excitement to be part of the prestigious club in the world and looks forward to learn new things in the future. The left-arm spinner has represented India in three T20Is, besides taking 192 first-class wickets at an average of 23.50. In the 2023-24 Ranji Trophy season, he was the leading wicket-taker with 53 scalps in nine games at an average of below 19 to carry Tamil Nadu to the semifinals. 

“I'm delighted to bring the highly rated Sai Kishore into our squad for the next two Kookaburra games. All the reports I have received from people I respect in the Indian game have spoken highly of him. His four-day record for Tamil Nadu is very good, and he brings leadership experience to the group.” Alec Stewart, Surrey’s high-performance advisor, welcomed the spinner.

Surrey sign Indian spinner Sai Kishore for the next two @CountyChamp matches. 🇮🇳

Sai captains Tamil Nadu in the Ranji Trophy and plays for Gujarat Titans in the IPL. He's available for the next two Kookaburra matches away at Yorkshire and Durham. 🚌

🤎 | #SurreyCricket pic.twitter.com/herPHs0jsq

— Surrey Cricket (@surreycricket) July 7, 2025

The 28-year-old had already gained experience of bowling in England. He went as the reserve player with the visiting Indian team in 2022, when he bowled 14 overs in a tour game at Grace Road in Leicester and returned with the wicket of Cheteshwar Pujara. Surrey now eye their fourth successive county championship title, having made the hat-trick of it.

Tiruppur Beat Dindigul Easily to Win First TNPL Title

The match was completely one-sided as IDream Tiruppur Tamizhans outplayed Dindigul Dragons in all departments. Led by R Sai Kishore, Tiruppur won their first-ever TNPL title since the league began in 2016. It was extra special for Kishore because it was his first TNPL trophy as captain, and it came against the defending champions.

Batting first, Tiruppur put up a big score of 220 for 5 in 20 overs. Opener Tushar Raheja was superb, scoring 77 from 46 balls with 6 fours and 4 sixes. Amith Sathvik also batted well, making 65 from 34 balls. The pair added 121 runs for the first wicket, giving Tiruppur a strong start. Quick runs from S Mohamed Ali, U Sasidev, and Anovankar V added more pain for Dindigul. Even though Dindigul used six bowlers, they couldn’t stop the runs. Karthik Saran took 2 wickets for 44 runs but didn’t get much help from the others.

Chasing 221, Dindigul fell apart and were bowled out for just 102 in 14.4 overs. Tiruppur won by a huge margin of 118 runs. Their bowlers struck early and kept taking wickets. Ragupathy Silambarasan took 2 for 12, getting rid of captain Ashwin and Vimal Khumar. Esakkimuthu A and S Mohan Prasath also took two wickets each, while T Natarajan got an important early wicket. Dindigul lost half their team in the first seven overs and couldn’t recover, especially with Shivam Singh unable to bat due to injury. Tiruppur’s all-round show gave them a well-deserved and convincing win.

ALSO READ: India Creates History: First Test Win at Edgbaston Under Shubman Gill’s Captaincy

Twitter reactions after ITT wins Final match of TNPL 2025

ஒரு District Team போல இருக்குற ‘iDream திருப்பூர் தமிழன்ஸ்’ இப்போ TNPL 2025 CHAMPIONS. ஒரு மன நிறைவு. Captain @saik_99 க்கு வாழ்த்துக்கள். உங்களின் ‘பாடல் வரிகள்’ அல்லது ‘குறள்’ Tweetக்கு waiting.🏏#TNPL2025 pic.twitter.com/pZWXLUUglZ

— Cricket Anand 🏏 (@cricanandha) July 6, 2025

𝗶𝗗𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗧𝗶𝗿𝘂𝗽𝗽𝘂𝗿 𝗧𝗮𝗺𝗶𝘇𝗵𝗮𝗻𝘀 - 𝗧𝗡𝗣𝗟 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗠𝗣𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦!🏆 ✨

Maiden title for iDream Tiruppur Tamizhans!#IDTTvDD #TNPL #TNPL2025 #TNPLFinal #NammaOoruNammaGethu pic.twitter.com/7QZ3Qc9Z4h

— TNPL (@TNPremierLeague) July 6, 2025

TNPL 2025 Champions 🏆= IDream Tiruppur Tamzhans 🩷

Another side win 🏆 a title for the first time in 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣5️⃣ #idreamtiruppurtamizhans #champions #tnpl #viralpost #viralnow #league11 pic.twitter.com/QhPQYSdmFd

— League11 (@league11_in) July 6, 2025

iDream Tiruppur Tamizhans are the TNPL 2025 CHAMPIONS. 🏆 Clinch their maiden title in style! 💪🔥 pic.twitter.com/5eSko6hG5R

— CricketGully (@thecricketgully) July 6, 2025

iDream Tiruppur Tamizhans clinch the TNPL 2025 title with a commanding 118-run victory in the final. 🔥#IDTTvDD #TNPL #TNPL2025 #TNPLFinal #NammaOoruNammaGethu pic.twitter.com/heCT2nRLdU

— TNPL (@TNPremierLeague) July 6, 2025

It's 𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐋 💥
It's 𝐃𝐎𝐍𝐄 ✅
It's 𝐓𝐈𝐑𝐔𝐏𝐏𝐔𝐑 🤑

Congratulations 👏
SEE YAH 😃#IDTTvDD #TNPL #TNPL2025 #TNPLFinal #NammaOoruNammaGethu pic.twitter.com/yWPp0dwCl2

— Cricket Insider (@theDcricket) July 6, 2025

Congratulations iDream Tiruppur Tamizhans! 💪🏼🔥#IDTTvDD #TNPL #TNPL2025 #TNPLFinal #NammaOoruNammaGethu pic.twitter.com/kSC67BU1Yz

— Premnath PK❤️🍫 (@Pk3Premnath) July 6, 2025

#TNPL2025 Final Winners — I Dream Tiruppur Tamizhans🔥👌🏽

Full Youth Team Impressed This Season A Lot & Specially Bowling!!

Raheja & Esakkimuthu Tharamana Finds Of This Season. pic.twitter.com/F8zJIBsdhk

— Saloon Kada Shanmugam (@saloon_kada) July 6, 2025

🏆 𝗧𝗡𝗣𝗟 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗠𝗣𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦!

✨ iDream Tiruppur Tamizhans create history with their maiden title! 🔥

📸: TNPL#TNPL2025 #Champions #TiruppurTamizhans #iDreamTamizhans pic.twitter.com/d1YZAEe5VG

— SportsTiger (@The_SportsTiger) July 6, 2025

Ravichandran Ashwin has made a comeback to domestic cricket in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) after a disappointing season of IPL 2025. Playing for Chennai Super Kings, Ashwin could not make any difference, taking only seven wickets and scoring 33 runs in nine games. Now captaining the Dindigul Dragons, the 38-year-old all-rounder seemed keen to rectify the situation in the TNPL, but his latest outing was controversial.

During the game against IDream Tiruppur Tamizhans on Sunday, Ashwin exchanged heated words with an umpire. This happened in the 5th over of the Dragons' innings, after the captain of Tiruppur, R. Sai Kishore, decided to bowl first. On the fifth delivery of the over, Ashwin was given LBW by the on-field umpire. Yet, the veteran cricketer refuted the decision vehemently, claiming that the ball had pitched outside leg-stump.

Although he protested, the umpire did not waver, and Ashwin was forced to return to the dugout after scoring 18 runs. Clearly agitated, he expressed his displeasure by banging his pads with the bat while walking towards the dugout. The Dragons were never able to get back on their feet after the early troubles and were bowled out for a paltry 93 runs, as Tiruppur bowlers ruled the roost.

Tiruppur Clinch First Win Amid Ashwin's Frustration

Tiruppur Tamizhans made light work of the modest target, chasing down 94 runs in 11.5 overs. Tushar Raheja starred with the bat, hitting an unbeaten 65 off just 39 balls. The emphatic win gave Tiruppur their first points of the season after their loss to Chepauk Super Gillies at the start of the season.

Watch the video here

Ash anna vs TNPL umpires never ending love story

Please bring DRS in TNPL also !pic.twitter.com/iTBpQwaqkh

— Sekar 𝕏 (@itzSekar) June 8, 2025

Also Read: 'I don't think it'll take off in Australia' - Josh Hazlewood on his new nickname given by Indian fans

The loss for Ashwin and the Dragons was a contrast to their season opener against the Lyca Kovai Kings. Ashwin's form has persisted from the IPL, where he and CSK had a disastrous season, ending last at the points table with a mere four victories from 14 games. The episode and performance again raise doubts over the veteran player's form and leadership before the season's big challenges.

Despite a promising start, Gujarat Titans could not make their way to the final, their journey only restricted to the playoff stage. Among multiple eye-catching talents, Sai Kishore made a standout performance in the IPL 2025. The sensational young star from Chennai is set to feature in the ongoing edition of the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL 2025) with iDream Tiruppur Tamizhans.

In the second match of the ongoing season, Tiruppur will take on Chepauk Super Gillies at SNR College Cricket Ground. Players like Pradosh Ranjan Paul and T. Natarajan are in Tamizhans' squad to bolster their strength along with Sai Kishore, which makes the team strong enough to fight for the title. The 28-year-old spinner played 15 IPL 2025 matches for Gujarat Titans and claimed 19 wickets with a best figure of 3/30. 

Last 5 matches of Sai Kishore:

• 2/42—Gujarat Titans vs. Mumbai Indians 
• 1/23—Gujarat Titans vs. Chennai Super Kings 
• 1/34—Gujarat Titans vs. Lucknow Super Giants 
• 1/47—Gujarat Titans vs. Delhi Capitals 
• 2/34—Gujarat Titans vs. Mumbai Indians 

Last season, when these two teams faced each other once, that match turned into an intense battle with ball and bat. Batting first, Chepauk claimed to have gotten 157 on the scoreboard and registered a win by 15 runs. With this win, they claimed their sixth victory over Tiruppur.

Read More : TNPL 2025: Kovai Kings vs Dindigul Dragons full match highlights and who said what

Squads

Idream Tiruppur Tamizhans

K. Rajkumar, Kanibalan K., Radhakrishnan, Uthirasamy Sasidev, C. V. Achyuth, Daryl Ferrario, Prabanjan S., V. Anovankar, Amith Sathvik, Pradosh Ranjan Paul, Tushar Raheja, Balu Surya, Esakkimuthu A., Mathivannan M., Mohamed Ali, Mohan Prasath, Pranav Raghavendra, Ragupathy Silambarasan, Sai Kishore, and T. Natarajan.

Chepauk Super Gillies

Vijay Shankar, Aashiq Rehman, Arjun Murthy, Abhishek Tanwar, Baba Aparajith, N Sunil Krishna, Dinesh Raj S, Kirubakar Ravinder, Prem Kumar, Rajalingam G, RS Mokit Hariharan, Swapnil Singh, Jagadeesan Narayan, R Rajan, Akram Khan, Aushik Srinivas R, M Silambarasan, Rohith Suthar, and TD Lokesh Raj.

It was a questionable decision from Gujarat Titans (GT) captain Shubman Gill not to introduce Sai Kishore in the middle-order overs, when Delhi Capitals (DC) batters were rotating strike rate with ease. In IPL 2025, Game 35, Sai Kishore asked to bowl only the last over of the first innings. He delivered exactly what the skipper asked him to do— offered only 9 runs and took the wicket of Ashutosh Sharma. But why did Gill introduce Kishore so late?

Delhi Capitals displayed an all-round batting performance against GT at the Narendra Modi Stadium. The stadium has a reputation for recording multiple high-scoring matches; the surface of the ground is often found to be batting-friendly.

The Capitals' batters discovered the surface is ideal for a big total, and they did start their innings with flowing runs. Experienced Ishant Sharma was the only exception from GT's bowling department, who took a wicket and in exchange had a 6.33 economy rate. Other than Ishant, Prasidh Krishna was the best performer with the ball, bagging 4 scalps with a 10.25 economy rate. 

Read More: Watch IPL 2025: Buttler’s Brilliant Catch Dismisses Vipraj in Style

Krishna, Rashid Khan, Mohammed Siraj, and Arshad Khan all were expensive, with an economy rate of around 10 in total. So why did Shubman Gill not prefer Sai to slow down the opponent's strike rate? 

A bold decision by Shubman Gill 

A possible answer is Axar Patel, Delhi Capitals skipper himself. Sai Kishore has a very poor record against Axar. Whenever the young spinner bowled, Patel, something exciting happened, mostly in favor of Axar. He has experience batting against the spinner with a pretty high strike rate. 

Delhi Capitals already was running with a high strike rate margin; Axar was in the middle of the park with the bat. In that scenario, Gill probably chose the safest option, not to use Sai Kishore as a bowler as long as Axar Patel was on the field. GT's none of their strategy was able to restrict Delhi from grabbing a total of 203 runs in their 20 overs limit.