Ranji Trophy 2026-27: How M.S. Dhoni’s advice finally clicked for Sai Kishore

Once close to national selection, Sai Kishore has faded away from the limelight, missing out on the Duleep Trophy and Irani Cup this year. | Photo Credit: B. Jothi Ramalingam

R. Sai Kishore revealed that a tip from M.S. Dhoni over five years ago helped him become a better bowler, even though he didn’t understand it then.

The 29-year-old scalped six for 34, including a hat-trick against Uttarakhand in the second innings, to bowl his side to an innings victory here on Tuesday.

One impressive aspect was how he used the crease and varied his angles, including going wider.

“That was something I picked up during my stint with CSK. M.S. Dhoni emphasised it heavily, but back then, I didn’t quite grasp how much he meant. Over the last two years—starting from IPL 2025—I’ve really begun embracing it. When you bowl from varied crease angles, the ball behaves differently off the deck. I leaned into that, and it’s paying rich dividends now,” said Sai Kishore.

From being at the cusp of breaking into the national team, Sai Kishore has fallen off the radar after being ignored for both the Duleep Trophy and the Irani Cup this year.

When asked whether this performance would help him get back into the limelight, he was philosophical. “Maybe (it might). I didn’t bowl to take a hat-trick. I was just doing my job. I think when I am very honest to myself and when I am working hard, I think God is giving me all these things,” he added.

“Indian cricket is packed with talent, and to be fair, by my own benchmark, last year wasn’t my best season—even though I still averaged around three to three-and-a-half wickets a game. I take it in my stride, keep my head down, and focus entirely on performing consistently,” said Sai Kishore.