Full Name: Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore
Nickname: Sai
Date of Birth: 6 November 1996
Age: 28 years (as of 2025)
Place of Birth: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Nationality: Indian
Religion: Hinduism
Profession: Cricketer
Batting Style: Left-Handed Bat
Bowling Style: Slow Left-Arm Orthodox
Role in Team: Bowler (Spinner)
Domestic Team: Tamil Nadu
IPL Team: Gujarat Titans (GT)
Net Worth: ₹12–15 Crore (approx, as of 2025)
Early Life and Background
Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore was born on 6 November 1996 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, into a middle-class South Indian family. From an early age, Sai showed deep interest in cricket, often spending hours playing in his neighborhood grounds. His family, especially his father, recognized his passion early on and supported his dream to become a professional cricketer.
Sai Kishore completed his schooling in Chennai and went on to pursue engineering while simultaneously training for cricket. Balancing academics and sports was never easy, but Sai’s determination and discipline helped him manage both efficiently. His journey from local tournaments to domestic cricket is a story of patience and persistence.
Unlike many spinners who start with pace and then switch to spin, Sai always wanted to be a spinner. His inspiration came from watching legends like Ravichandran Ashwin and Daniel Vettori, whose control and intelligence on the field greatly influenced his bowling style.
Domestic Career
Sai Kishore made his first-class debut for Tamil Nadu in the 2017–18 Ranji Trophy and quickly established himself as one of the most consistent spinners in domestic cricket. His exceptional line and length, along with his ability to maintain pressure on batsmen, made him a key bowler for Tamil Nadu across formats.
He first gained national attention during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2019–20, where he finished as the highest wicket-taker of the tournament, claiming 20 wickets in just 12 matches. This remarkable performance put him in the spotlight and opened doors to the IPL.
In List A cricket, Sai has also been extremely effective, using his flight and variation to deceive batters. His accuracy and economy rate have made him one of the most reliable left-arm spinners in the domestic circuit.
Over the years, Sai has become an integral part of the Tamil Nadu team, helping them win multiple domestic titles, including the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
International Career
Sai Kishore’s patience finally paid off when he received his India call-up in 2022 for the T20I series against Sri Lanka. Although he didn’t make his debut immediately, his presence in the squad was a sign of his growing reputation in Indian cricket.
He made his T20I debut for India against the West Indies in August 2022, where he impressed everyone with his calmness and control under pressure. Sai’s bowling style is known for subtle variations — he rarely bowls loose deliveries and often builds pressure that leads to wickets at the other end.
While his international appearances have been limited so far, experts believe that Sai Kishore has the skillset and temperament to become a regular member of the Indian limited-overs squad, especially in subcontinent conditions.
IPL Career
Sai Kishore’s IPL journey began when he was signed by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in 2020. Although he didn’t get a chance to play that season, training under legends like MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja helped him immensely. He learned how to handle pressure situations and fine-tuned his bowling strategy for T20 cricket.
In 2022, he was picked up by the Gujarat Titans (GT) in the IPL mega auction for ₹3 crore. Under the captaincy of Hardik Pandya, Sai made his debut for GT and showcased his class with the ball. He played a crucial role in the middle overs, maintaining tight lines and controlling the flow of runs.
He was part of the Gujarat Titans squad that won the IPL 2022 title, marking a huge milestone in his professional career. Since then, he has continued to be an important member of the GT spin unit alongside Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad.
Achievements
- Highest wicket-taker in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2019–20 (20 wickets).
- IPL Champion (2022) with Gujarat Titans.
- Represented India in T20 Internationals.
- Known for his exceptional economy rate in T20s (under 6.5).
- Regular performer for Tamil Nadu across formats.
- Recognized as one of the most disciplined and intelligent spinners in Indian domestic cricket.
Playing Style and Strengths
Sai Kishore is known for his remarkable control, consistency, and cricketing intelligence. He doesn’t rely heavily on sharp turn but focuses on varying his pace, flight, and angles to deceive batsmen.
He bowls with a calm temperament, rarely gets flustered, and often builds pressure by bowling dot balls. His ability to contain batters in the middle overs makes him an invaluable asset in T20 cricket.
With the bat, Sai is a dependable lower-order player who can rotate the strike and hold one end when needed. His fielding has also improved over the years, showcasing his all-round abilities.
Personal Life
Sai Kishore maintains a very private life away from the spotlight. He is known for his humble and grounded nature. Despite his growing success, he continues to live a simple lifestyle in Chennai with his family.
Sai’s family has been his biggest support system throughout his journey. His parents encouraged him to pursue both academics and sports, ensuring he had a balanced upbringing.
Off the field, Sai enjoys reading, meditation, and spending time with close friends. He believes in constant self-improvement and often shares motivational quotes and insights about discipline and mindfulness on social media.
As of 2025, Sai Kishore is unmarried and fully focused on his cricketing career.
Net Worth and Income
Sai Kishore’s estimated net worth is around ₹12–15 Crore (approx). His income sources include:
- Domestic Cricket (Tamil Nadu Cricket Association)
- IPL Contract (Gujarat Titans – ₹3 crore)
- Brand endorsements and sponsorships
- BCCI Match Fees for International Games
Career Stats (as of 2025)
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling | Economy | Runs | Best Score |
| First-Class | 35 | 120 | 6/50 | 2.80 | 520 | 41 |
| List A | 46 | 83 | 5/22 | 4.10 | 360 | 35 |
| T20 | 75 | 90 | 4/10 | 6.20 | 280 | 29* |
| IPL | 18 | 20 | 3/33 | 6.75 | 80 | 17 |
Interesting Facts
- Sai Kishore is a qualified engineer.
- He once opened the batting for Tamil Nadu in junior-level cricket before becoming a specialist spinner.
- He meditates daily to stay focused and calm under pressure.
- Idolizes Ravichandran Ashwin and has often credited him for inspiring his bowling style.
- Known among teammates as a “thinker” — someone who loves analyzing the game deeply.
Future Goals
Sai Kishore aims to cement his place in India’s limited-overs squads, particularly in T20Is. With his control, maturity, and experience in IPL, he aspires to represent India in major tournaments like the ICC T20 World Cup.
He also dreams of helping Tamil Nadu win the Ranji Trophy, a title that has long eluded them in modern times. His long-term goal is to evolve as an all-rounder and contribute to Indian cricket across all formats.
Summary
From a dedicated student to one of India’s most promising spin bowlers, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore’s journey is a testament to perseverance, discipline, and hard work. With his calm mindset, technical excellence, and hunger for growth, he represents the new generation of Indian cricketers who combine intelligence with skill.
