'Being with CSK has been a big plus in my growth as a bowler' - R Sai Kishore after being picked as net bowler for Sri Lanka tour

On Friday, June 10, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a 25-member squad including five net bowlers for the India tour of Sri Lanka. India will be traveling to the island nation for three One Day Internationals followed by as many T20Is in July 2021.

One of the highlights of the squad was Tamil Nadu’s R Sai Kishore getting picked as the net bowler along with Ishan Porel, Sandeep Warrier, Arshdeep Singh, and Simarjeet Singh. Kishore attracted the attention of the cricket fraternity during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy as he was the main architect behind Tamil Nadu’s victory. 

During the Indian Premier League, Sai Kishore trained with the three-time champions Chennai Super Kings. However, the leg spinner is yet to make his debut in the T20 Championship. Speaking about his journey with CSK, the 24-year-old revealed that he has learned a lot and has improved leaps and bounds. 

“Being with CSK has been a big plus, my game has gotten better. If I have to say correctly when you practice with the best of the best, you will automatically get better. The exposure has been great and just by practicing with the (CSK) team, I have improved by leaps and bounds. The atmosphere is very important, the management takes good care and that keeps us motivated,” Sai Kishore said as quoted by Times of India.

I think I need to work harder now and the responsibility is greater, says Sai Kishore

Further in the interaction, R Sai Kishore also opened up on getting included in the Indian squad as a net bowler. Though the 24-year-old is excited about receiving the maiden call-up, he understands that this is just the first step and he needs to work a lot harder to reach greater heights. 

“I am very happy to have been picked as a net bowler for the tour. I am very much excited and look forward to it. Also, it is a recognition of the hard work and performances in domestic cricket. Once I got the call, I think I need to work harder now and the responsibility is greater. Being part of the national squad is a great honor and I can only gain knowledge by being around. I have to be ready when I get the opportunity,” the spinner concluded.