IPL 2025: Rayudu Questions GT's Decision on Sai Kishore's Overs
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Synopsis
Former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu expresses his bewilderment over Gujarat Titans' decision to limit R Sai Kishore to just one over during their match against Delhi Capitals. Experts discuss the implications of this strategy on team dynamics and player confidence.
Key Takeaways
- Ambati Rayudu questions GT's strategy regarding R Sai Kishore.
- Kishore's limited bowling opportunities raise eyebrows.
- Mark Boucher discusses match-up dynamics affecting bowling choices.
- Importance of captaincy in maintaining a bowler's confidence.
- Strategies for handling left-handed batsmen effectively.
New Delhi, April 20 (NationPress) Former Indian cricketer and multiple IPL champion Ambati Rayudu expressed his confusion regarding the Gujarat Titans’ (GT) choice to allocate merely one over of bowling to left-arm spinner R Sai Kishore during their seven-wicket victory against Delhi Capitals (DC).
In the previous year, when GT clashed with DC at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Kishore bowled only one over—the 19th over—due to the presence of left-handed batsmen Axar Patel and Rishabh Pant.
On Saturday, at the Narendra Modi Stadium, when GT took on DC in an afternoon fixture, Kishore was again restricted to just one over—the 20th over—where he conceded a mere nine runs and dismissed Ashutosh Sharma.
"It was rather unusual. Considering the conditions—it was an afternoon match—you would anticipate the ball to grip a bit, especially with the new ball when the seam is firm and slightly raised.
"He should have bowled at least one over during the powerplay and certainly throughout the middle overs. He has been their top spinner thus far; he has performed better than Rashid Khan in this tournament. It’s hard to comprehend," Rayudu stated on ESPNcricinfo.
Mark Boucher, the former South African player and ex-coach of Mumbai Indians (MI), opined that with a player like Axar batting from the fifth over onwards, GT might have been overly cautious due to match-up concerns, leading them to hold Kishore back.
"Concerned about match-ups and possibly influenced by previous experiences, we saw him struggle last time when he faced Pooran. That’s why we’re all puzzled, questioning why he wasn’t given more opportunities—especially when three of your leading seamers are leaking over ten runs an over.
"Even if he is bowling to a match-up like Axar, he possesses the ability to bowl outside his eyeline, which could have created an opportunity. Yes, having your best spinner in the tournament bowl only one over in a day match is perplexing, and it’s unusual not to have afforded him a better chance," he added.
Boucher concluded by emphasizing that GT captain Shubman Gill must ensure that Kishore maintains his confidence ahead of future games. "One of the crucial aspects for a spinner is knowing that your captain has faith in you during challenging situations. There will be times when, regrettably, you need to bowl against a left-hander, and it puts you under pressure.
"However, as a captain, you can approach him and say, 'Listen, I understand this is a match-up that may not favor you, but you're bowling exceptionally well and taking wickets, so just deliver your best ball to him; you’re skilled enough to bowl in ways that make it difficult for him to score,'" he advised.
