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He's been their best spinner so far: Ambati Rayudu on GT spinner Sai Kishore

ANI April 20, 2025 151 views

Former India batter Ambati Rayudu questioned Gujarat Titans' decision to bowl Sai Kishore for just one over against Delhi Capitals, calling him their best spinner this season. Both Rayudu and Mark Boucher felt the left-arm spinner should've been deployed earlier given the day-game conditions favoring spin. Kishore impressed with 1/9 in his solitary over, dismissing dangerous Ashutosh Sharma. GT still won the match via Jos Buttler's 97* to claim the IPL top spot.

"He's been their best spinner so far; he's been bowling better than Rashid in this competition" - Ambati Rayudu"
New Delhi April 20: Former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu talked about the decision of Gujarat Titans (GT) to not use Sai Kishore against Delhi Capitals on Saturday, who has been performing better than Rashid Khan, in the powerplay and middle overs.

Key Points

1

Rayudu slams GT for not utilizing Sai Kishore in powerplay

2

Boucher agrees, calls decision "very strange"

3

Sai took 1/9 in his lone over vs DC

4

GT won despite tactical blunder, top IPL table

He believed Sai should have been used more, especially considering the conditions that favour spin bowling.

"Given the conditions - it was an afternoon game - you would expect the ball to grip a little bit, especially with the new ball when the seam is hard and slightly elevated, he should have bowled at least one over in the powerplay and definitely through the middle. He's been their best spinner so far; he's been bowling better than Rashid in this competition. Doesn't make sense to me." Ambati Rayudu said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

Sai bowled just one over in the game. It was the last over of the DC innings. He gave away just nine runs and got the wicket of the big-hitting Ashutosh Sharma.

Former South Africa Wicketkeeper/batter Mark Boucher also agreed with Rayudu's assessment that Sai Kishore should have bowled more. He believed that even against Axar Patel, the spinner could have created opportunities by bowling outside his eyeline.

He found it strange that the Sai was only given one over, especially in a day game where conditions favour spin bowling.

"Even if he's bowling to a match-up like Axar, he's still got the mindset that 'I can bowl it outside his eyeline' and I think he might still have created opportunity there. Yes, your best spinner in the competition at the moment and he only bowled one over, in a day game - it is very strange not to have given him the opportunity, or a better opportunity." Mark Boucher said.

A brilliant knock from Jos Buttler and his century partnership with Sherfane Rutherford helped Gujarat Titans (GT) crush Delhi Capitals (DC) by seven wickets in a high-scoring clash at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium on Saturday.

After a flying start from DC batters KL Rahul and Abhishek Porel, followed by an impactful innings of Ashutosh Sharma at the end, powered DC to 203/8 against GT.GT successfully chased down Delhi's 204-run target and moved to the summit of the standings.

Gujarat Titans' success was forged by Buttler's belligerent 97* from 54 deliveries, topped up with Sherfane Rutherford's 40 and finishing touches from Rahul Tewatia (11*).

With their fifth win in seven matches, GT have climbed to the top of the points table, displacing DC to the second spot, who suffered their second loss.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Rayudu makes a solid point here. Sai has been consistently good this season while Rashid seems slightly off color. GT management needs to trust their form players more! 💪 #PlayYourBestXI
P
Priya M.
As a GT fan, I was screaming at my TV when they didn't bring Sai on earlier! That one over he bowled showed exactly what he could have done throughout the innings. Missed opportunity 😕
A
Arjun S.
Respectfully disagree with Rayudu here. While Sai has been good, Rashid is a proven match-winner who can turn games in single overs. Maybe the captain had specific match-up plans we're not aware of?
S
Sneha R.
That Ashutosh Sharma wicket in his only over proved Sai's quality! Imagine what he could've done with 3-4 overs. GT won anyway but this could've been a bigger margin victory 🏏
V
Vikram J.
Interesting to see both Rayudu AND Boucher agreeing on this. When two cricket brains like that question a decision, there's probably something to it. Hope GT learns from this for next matches!
N
Neha P.
The conditions were absolutely perfect for spin and they underutilized their best spinner? Makes no sense to me either! At least give him 2-3 overs to make an impact. #GTManagement

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