Former India batter and multiple-time IPL champion Ambati Rayudu expressed confusion over Gujarat Titans’ decision to give only one over to left-arm spinner R Sai Kishore during their seven-wicket win against Delhi Capitals on Saturday at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
Rayudu recalled that a similar scenario occurred last year when GT played DC at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Kishore was brought on for just one over — the 19th — because of the presence of left-handers Axar Patel and Rishabh Pant at the crease. In Saturday’s day match, Kishore again bowled just one over — the 20th — conceding nine runs and dismissing Ashutosh Sharma.
“Strange Decision Given the Conditions,” Says Rayudu
Speaking on ESPNcricinfo, Rayudu said,
“It was quite strange. Given the conditions — it was an afternoon match — you’d expect the ball to grip a bit, especially early on when the seam is harder.
He should’ve bowled at least one over in the powerplay and certainly in the middle overs. He’s been their best spinner this season — bowling better than even Rashid Khan. It doesn’t make sense to me.”
Mark Boucher Also Surprised by GT’s Tactical Call
Former South Africa cricketer and ex-Mumbai Indians coach Mark Boucher echoed Rayudu’s concerns. He pointed out that Kishore may have been held back due to a “match-up mindset” triggered by Axar Patel’s early arrival at the crease.
“They were probably spooked by past match-ups,” Boucher said. “Last time, he was under pressure against Pooran, and maybe that played a part.
But even with Axar at the crease, Kishore has the skills to bowl outside his hitting arc. He might’ve created an opportunity there. When your top seamers are all going for 10+ an over, not giving your best spinner more than one over — in a day game — is hard to justify.”
“Captain Needs to Back Him,” Boucher Adds
Boucher also emphasized the importance of backing spinners during challenging matchups, especially from a captaincy standpoint.
“For a spinner, captain’s trust is crucial. There will be times when you have to bowl to a left-hander and it’s tough.
But as a captain, you can go up to your bowler and say, ‘I know the match-up isn’t in your favor, but you’re in form, taking wickets — bowl your best ball and stay clever.’”
As GT prepares for upcoming fixtures, much will depend on how skipper Shubman Gill manages Kishore’s confidence and finds better ways to utilize one of their standout bowlers this season.