Sai Kishore delivered a match-winning performance as Tamil Nadu defeated Uttarakhand by an innings and 66 runs in an Elite Group-D Ranji Trophy match at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium on October 20, 2026.
The left-arm orthodox bowler took 10 wickets across both innings, claiming four in the first innings and six in the second. His second-innings spell was particularly devastating, with Kishore completing a hat-trick in the 43rd over by dismissing Lakshya Raichandani, Saurabh Rawat and Aditya Rawat in consecutive deliveries.
Uttarakhand were bowled out for 113 in 45.4 overs in their second innings, with Ajith Ram taking four wickets alongside Kishore’s six-wicket haul. Speaking to The Indian Express, Kishore credited guidance he received during his time with Chennai Super Kings, where Dhoni stressed the importance of bowling from different angles, particularly over the wicket to right-handed batters.
“I think that is something that I learned during my stint with CSK. MS Dhoni was heavy on that. But at that time I didn’t have that understanding to know what he was telling. Last two years, I’ve started embracing it. When bowling from different angles, my ball behaves differently and that is reaping rewards,” Kishore said as quoted by The Indian Express.
How Dhoni’s advice transformed Kishore’s bowling
Kishore said he had not initially understood the value of Dhoni’s advice. Over the past two years, however, he began to appreciate and apply the principle of varying his bowling angles. The change gave him greater movement and control, helping him become a more effective spinner.
“I think most bowlers should be having that control. Because we don’t have freedom we might think we cannot bowl it. I think once you open up, once you’re just playing for the team — I’m not doing it for myself — then you will start executing it,” Kishore said.
Finding freedom through bowling variety
Kishore’s 10-wicket return was a significant achievement in the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy season. His ability to take wickets consistently has established him as one of Tamil Nadu’s leading spinners, while the victory showcased the value of the technical lessons he learned during his association with CSK.
“I think the more I started exploring my game, I got freedom. Like, what can I actually do better? When asked about setbacks, I was asking myself where I could get better, and that’s when I remembered what MS told me. So it was instinctive. I’m adding small, small puzzles to my bowling,” Kishore said.