Ambati Rayudu Criticizes Gujarat Titans For Underusing Sai Kishore Against Delhi Capitals

April 20, 2025: Gujarat Titans (GT) may have clinched a thrilling seven-wicket win over Delhi Capitals (DC) in Ahmedabad, but questions have been raised over the underuse of their in-form spinner, R Sai Kishore, particularly by former India cricketer Ambati Rayudu and ex-South Africa coach Mark Boucher.

Rayudu, speaking to ESPNcricinfo, expressed surprise that Sai Kishore—GT’s most effective spinner this season—was given only one over, and that too the last over of DC’s innings. “Given the conditions – it was an afternoon game – you would expect the ball to grip a little bit… He should have bowled at least one over in the powerplay and definitely through the middle,” said Rayudu. “He’s been bowling better than Rashid Khan in this competition. Doesn’t make sense to me.”

Kishore, who has impressed with his economy and wicket-taking ability, bowled a tidy final over, conceding only nine runs and claiming the key wicket of Ashutosh Sharma, who had been striking cleanly.

Mark Boucher echoed Rayudu’s sentiment, stating that Kishore could have even been effective against Axar Patel, who was set at the crease. “Even if he’s bowling to a match-up like Axar, he could have bowled outside his eyeline and created opportunities,” Boucher said. “He’s your best spinner in the competition right now, and it’s strange to see him bowl just one over in a day game that suited spin.”

Despite the tactical curiosity, GT managed to chase down DC’s target of 204 with relative ease, thanks to a superb unbeaten 97 from Jos Buttler and a crucial 40-run contribution from Sherfane Rutherford. Rahul Tewatia then finished the job with a flourish.

With five wins from seven matches, Gujarat Titans have climbed to the top of the points table, while Delhi Capitals have slipped to second after their second defeat of the season.