IPL 2025: Rayudu Advocates for Sai Kishore's National Selection
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Synopsis
Former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu has called for spinner Sai Kishore's addition to the national team, following his stellar performance in IPL 2025. Sai Kishore, currently one of the top wicket-takers, demonstrates exceptional skills and work ethic that could benefit the Indian team.
Key Takeaways
- Sai Kishore is a top performer in IPL 2025.
- He has an impressive T20 economy rate.
- Rayudu supports his inclusion in the national team.
- Kishore displays excellent planning and execution in matches.
- His dedication and work ethic are commendable.
New Delhi, April 7 (NationPress) Former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu has expressed his support for spinner Sai Kishore to be included in the national team, citing his impressive performance in the ongoing IPL 2025 season.
The 28-year-old currently stands as the second-highest wicket-taker for GT and among all spinners in IPL 2025, having claimed eight wickets in just four matches with an economy rate of 7.06. His career T20 economy rate of 5.98 across 74 matches further highlights his exceptional abilities.
Having participated in three T20Is for India during the Asian Games in October 2023 as part of a secondary squad, he has not featured for the national side since.
Rayudu stated on ESPNcricinfo's TimeOut show, "He is quite the guy not to get into the Indian side. 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."
In the recent match where Gujarat Titans triumphed over Sunrisers Hyderabad by seven wickets, Sai Kishore concluded with impressive figures of 2-24, dismissing Heinrich Klaasen and Nitish Kumar Reddy.
Rayudu remarked on Sai Kishore's wicket of Klaasen, stating, "The way he celebrated Klaasen's wicket today; he rarely celebrates. I know why he celebrated - because he planned for that. He bowled over the stumps to Klaasen so that he could take the ball away from his arc. And then he came around, and he knew Klaasen would go for his pick-up shot. So he bowled that quicker one. So I think he planned for it; he plans a lot."
Rayudu, who has shared the field with Sai Kishore during his tenure with Chennai Super Kings, praised the spinner's dedication and work ethic.
"This guy has always improved day in and day out. He used to work much harder than many people in the nets. He used to be the first to start, and the last to go out. And he used to bowl to every batsman, (and) ask them for feedback (regarding) what his lengths were. He was constantly learning," Rayudu added.
"That's the greatest aspect, and now you see his control in terms of length. And he also bowls differently to each batsman. He doesn't bowl the same ball. A lot of bowlers that we see are so comfortable bowling one length or one line. He is not that kind of bowler; he can adjust accordingly," he continued.
Sai Kishore kicked off the IPL 2025 season with a remarkable three-wicket haul against Punjab Kings, followed by a performance of 1-37 against Mumbai Indians and two wickets each against Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad.
