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India Gazette
07-07-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
India spinner Sai Kishore joins Surrey for two-match stint in County Championship
Surrey [UK], July 7 (ANI): Indian left-arm finger-spinner Sai Kishore has signed for Surrey in Division One of the County Championship. He will be available for the two first-class games at the end of July. The lanky left-arm spinner will feature in Surrey's next two County Championship matches in which the Kookaburra ball will be used. The fixtures include trips to Scarborough to square off against Yorkshire (July 22-25) and then to Chester-le-Street to face Durham (July 29-August 1). If Kishore is named in Surrey's final XI against Yorkshire, he could come up against his former Chennai Super Kings teammate Ruturaj Gaikwad. 'I'm really excited to be joining Surrey for the next two County Championship matches. Surrey is one of the most prestigious clubs in the world, and I have heard great things about the set-up from lots of different people in the game,' Kishore said in a statement released by Surrey. Alec Stewart, Surrey's High-Performance advisor, said, 'I'm delighted to bring the highly rated Sai Kishore into our squad for the next two Kookaburra games. All the reports I have received from people I respect in the Indian game have spoken highly of him. His four-day record for Tamil Nadu is very good, and he brings leadership experience to the group.' His upcoming stint will mark his first appearance in the County Championship. The 28-year-old, who has represented India in three T20Is, has been on a steady diet of the shortest format of cricket. He turned out to be the second-highest wicket-taker among spinners with 19 scalps in the 18th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) while featuring for the Gujarat Titans. On Sunday, he captained his side, Tiruppur Tamizhans, to their maiden title win in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) 2025. During his campaign in the IPL 2025, Kishore impressed New Zealand's decorated spinner and former skipper Daniel Vettori. 'Sai Kishore has been the pick [of the spinners]. He's been fantastic, and I think he was a guy we looked very closely at in the auction and wanted him in the team. He's very brave, his ability to turn the ball and change his pace and angle from over and around the wicket,' Vettori said at a press conference during the tournament. 'I think it sort of sets up a template for other spinners to see how you can actually compete and succeed, and he's done it on good batting wickets as well. I know he came to Hyderabad and bowled exceptionally well. I think he's been incredibly impressive,' he added. While Kishore has caught the attention of the world with his robust spells in the T20s, his red-ball numbers stand out as well. He has scythed 192 wickets in 46 first-class games at an average of 23.51 while maintaining an economy rate of 2.76. In the 2023-24 Ranji Trophy season, Kishore finished as the highest wicket-taker with 53 scalps in nine matches at 18.52. (ANI)
The Hindu
07-07-2025
- Sport
- The Hindu
R Sai Kishore joins Surrey for two County Championship matches
Tamil Nadu all-rounder R Sai Kishore will join Surrey for two County Championship matches, the club announced on Monday. The 28-year-old will be available for the side's fixtures against Yorkshire and Durham, starting July 22. Sai Kishore was last in action leading IDream Tiruppur Tamizhans to victory in the final of the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL). Surrey sign Indian spinner Sai Kishore for the next two @CountyChamp matches. 🇮🇳 Sai captains Tamil Nadu in the Ranji Trophy and plays for Gujarat Titans in the IPL. He's available for the next two Kookaburra matches away at Yorkshire and Durham. 🚌 🤎 | # — Surrey Cricket (@surreycricket) July 7, 2025 'Surrey are one of the most prestigious clubs in the world and I have heard great things about the set-up from lots of different people in the game,' said the spinner in a statement. Alec Stewart, Surrey High-Performance advisor, said: 'I'm delighted to bring the highly rated Sai Kishore into our squad for the next two Kookaburra games. 'All the reports I have received from people I respect in the Indian game have spoken highly of him. His four-day record for Tamil Nadu is very good and he brings leadership experience to the group,' he said. He joins a host of Indians who will featuring in the County Championship including Ruturaj Gaikwad at Yorkshire, Tilak Verma at Hampshire, Khaleel Ahmed at Essex, and Yuzvendra Chahal at Northamptonshire. Related Topics Sai Kishore / Surrey
Pink Villa
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Throwback: When KKR star Varun Chakravarthy worked in Vishnu Vishal's Jeeva as junior artist for Rs 600
Varun Chakaravarthy, the IPL spin bowler who is a star player in Shah Rukh Khan 's Kolkata Knight Riders, made a name for himself with his expertise in cricket. However, did you know that the player once appeared as a junior artist in a movie? Do you know Varun Chakravarthy once appeared as a junior artist in a movie? Yes, you've heard it right. The star cricketer Varun Chakravarthy once appeared as a junior artist in the movie Jeeva, starring Vishnu Vishal. The cricketer himself unveiled this detail on a chat with retired Test player Ravichandran Ashwin on YouTube. Talking with him, the IPL player said, 'I signed as a junior artist for ₹600 per day, and right now my daily allowance is 300 USD.' Moreover, Varun revealed that he got the opportunity to play cricket on-screen because he used to play in Tennis tournaments. Thinking about his life prior to cricket, Varun added how he used to work at an architectural firm, where he earned ₹14,000 per month. When he turned 24, the actor decided to become a filmmaker and started working as an assistant director, but later on found his passion in cricket. Varun initially made a name for himself after an appearance in the 2018 Tamil Nadu Premier League. Later on, he was introduced in the IPL after being acquired by Preity Zinta's Kings XI Punjab in 2019. About Jeeva Jeeva is a Tamil sports film starring Vishnu Vishal and Sri Divya in the lead roles. The movie, written and directed by Suseenthiran, was bankrolled by him along with cinematographer R Madhi and art director Rajeevan. The film features the story of Jeeva, a young player who is fond of cricket from childhood. However, his life is faced with various obstacles as he balances his passion, politics, and romance. The Vishnu Vishal starrer also featured an ensemble cast of actors like Soori, Lakshman Narayan, Sanyathara, Charlie, Madhusudhan Rao, G Marimuthu, T Siva, Arya (in a cameo role), and more. The sports flick was a massive hit in theaters back in the day after being lauded with positive reviews. It is available for streaming on the OTT platform JioHostar.
The Hindu
01-07-2025
- Sport
- The Hindu
Meet Tiruppur Tamizhans' Kanibalan: He taught himself on YouTube, now he's in the TNPL
Even before he earned a spot in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL), Kanibalan had garnered quite a following for his bite-sized batting tips on Instagram. Cricket was always the only constant, even when his life veered into survival mode. He delivered groceries for e-commerce platforms like Swiggy and Zepto after Covid-19 halted his cricketing dreams. But the 27-year-old persevered and was picked up by Tiruppur Tamizhans at the February auctions for TNPL season 9. A self-coached cricketer who learned from YouTube, hustled through fourth-division matches, and trained kids in makeshift nets, Kanibalan built his game while building a following – over 60,000 strong – online. His story is of missed chances, late breakthroughs, and sheer persistence. For every T. Natarajan or Varun Chakaravarthy the TNPL unearths, there are players like Kanibalan – grinding in the background, waiting for their opportunity. This season, his turn may finally have arrived. Discreet indulgence Born in Tirunelveli and raised in the crowded bylanes of Tiruvottriyur in North Chennai, Kanibalan's first brushes with cricket came in the form of street matches using 'stumper balls.' But his passion met resistance at home. 'I used to play in Tirunelveli during the school holidays because my parents didn't let me play much in Chennai. I had to be discreet,' he recalls. It was during these two-month school breaks that cricket flourished for him — games played with bats and stumps hauled in from Chennai. The transition to leather-ball cricket was gradual, spurred by a growing desire for proper gear. 'I used to yearn for gloves and pads, but my family couldn't afford a kit, so I couldn't play at a higher level. I would follow people carrying kits to the ground and just watch them play,' he says. A turning point came through his younger brother, Vijay Joseph. 'My parents usually ignored my pleas, but somehow listened to him. He convinced them to enrol me in a cricket academy,' Kanibalan says. That conversation led to a major sacrifice from their father: 'He saved up close to Rs. 6,000 — a huge sum for us — and took me to St. Bede's Academy in Chennai [former India off-spinner R. Ashwin went to the same academy]. I joined the summer camp, but we couldn't afford to continue the following year.' The formal coaching stint was brief, but it planted the seed. Self-coaching his way behind the stumps Unable to continue formal training, Kanibalan took matters into his own hands. ' YouTube became my coach. I watched tutorial videos and honed my batting on my own.' He began documenting his sessions, jotting down observations after every net. 'I later realised even top academies followed this method — for me, it came from curiosity and a desire to improve.' Kanibalan stumbled into wicketkeeping thanks to an odd twist, and managed to impress at the trials with just 10 days of practice. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT Originally a middle-order power-hitter, Kanibalan stumbled into wicketkeeping thanks to an odd twist. A teammate's father submitted an application on his behalf for a district-level tournament, and ticked the 'wicketkeeper' box. 'I felt paralysed. I had just 10 days to prepare,' he recalls. In those 10 days, he threw himself into training. 'I kept 400–500 balls a session, experimenting with techniques. When the trial came, I managed to do well. That's how I became a wicketkeeper,' he says. His first real validation came in fourth-division cricket for Chennai PNT. Facing relegation, he scored three match-saving fifties. 'That's when I realised I was good enough for professional cricket,' says the 27-year-old. Giving back to the game That self-learning ethic slowly evolved into a desire to mentor others. 'I wanted to give today's kids what I didn't have — guidance,' he says. He started small, coaching in whatever space he could find, juggling it with lower-division cricket. Eventually, he took up full-time coaching at an academy. 'I was underpaid, sometimes unpaid. But I stuck around because I loved teaching,' he says. The COVID-19 pandemic brought a halt to that path. Forced to quit temporarily, he took up a job as a delivery agent with fast-delivery companies — but the itch to return to cricket never left. Once he had saved enough, he rented space and launched his academy. Today, it houses eight coaches and over 150 students — while giving him the flexibility to focus on his own game again. Social media: The game changer Instagram became another avenue of expression. 'I started posting tutorials and clips of my batting, more as a record for myself.' The impact surprised him. 'A police sub-inspector from Chengalpattu called me to say one of my techniques had helped him regain form in a local match. That's when I realised what I was doing mattered beyond me.' Now, with more than 60,000 followers, Kanibalan has built a digital classroom alongside his physical one. Road to TNPL Despite the dedication, the road to TNPL was anything but smooth. 'Two years ago, I was the top run-scorer in the trials but missed out on selection because I didn't fill out the form ahead of the trials owing to a lack of confidence. That cost me dearly. I wasn't eligible for the auctions,' he explains. The following year, he did everything right — and went unsold. This year was different. His performances for TNCA third-division side Ranji CC — where he was given the freedom to express himself — finally turned heads. 'I got calls from both Nellai Royal Kings and Tiruppur Tamizhans.' At the February auctions, the Tamizhans picked him up for Rs 50,000. While he's yet to make his TNPL debut, Kanibalan is soaking in the experience. 'Just being around these players is a learning curve,' he says. Conversations with senior pros like captain R. Sai Kishore and 'Yorker King' T. Natarajan have already left a mark. He believes this exposure will not only sharpen his own game, but also enhance his coaching. 'Once the season ends, I'll have much more to teach my students,' he says. Even now, he admits to grappling with self-doubt. 'I'm still figuring out where I stand in cricket. But I know this — whatever I do will be related to the sport.' For someone who taught himself how to play, how to coach, and how to persevere, that may just be enough.
India.com
30-06-2025
- Sport
- India.com
TNPL 2025 Playoffs Schedule: Full Fixtures, Qualified Teams, Venues, And Match Timings Revealed
The Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) 2025 has reached its most thrilling phase — the playoffs. After nearly a month of intense action, fierce rivalries, and breakthrough performances, the top four teams have emerged to battle it out for the coveted title. With the final leg scheduled from July 2 to July 6, fans can expect edge-of-the-seat drama as the state's finest T20 talents clash in a series of high-stakes matches across Dindigul, Salem, and Tirunelveli. Also Read: Rinku Singh BSA Controversy Explained: Why UP Government's Decision Sparked Nationwide Debate The playoffs begin with Qualifier 1 on July 2 at the NPR College Ground, Dindigul, featuring table-toppers Chepauk Super Gillies taking on the high-flying IDream Tiruppur Tamizhans. With a direct ticket to the final at stake, this clash promises fireworks. On July 3, the Eliminator will see Dindigul Dragons, led by veteran Ravichandran Ashwin, face off against the resurgent Trichy Grand Cholas at the Salem Cricket Foundation Stadium. The Cholas earned their playoff berth by defeating the Dragons in the final group-stage game — a psychological edge they'll look to capitalize on. The loser of Qualifier 1 will get another chance in Qualifier 2 on July 4, facing the Eliminator winner at the Indian Cement Company Ground, Tirunelveli. The grand TNPL 2025 Final is set for July 6, once again at Dindigul — a fitting venue to crown this year's champions. Final Standings After League Stage PositionTeamPlayedWonLostPointsNRR 1 Chepauk Super Gillies (Q) 7 7 0 14 +1.415 2 IDream Tiruppur Tamizhans (Q) 7 5 2 10 +1.733 3 Dindigul Dragons (Q) 7 4 3 8 +0.191 4 Trichy Grand Cholas (Q) 7 3 4 6 +0.058 Q – Qualified for Playoffs Team Previews: Strengths, Stars & Strategies Chepauk Super Gillies – The Unbeaten Juggernaut Led by experience and balance, CSG dominated the group stage with a perfect record. Powered by stalwarts like Jagadeesan Narayan and Vijay Shankar, they've looked unbeatable. Their depth in both pace and spin, coupled with clutch finishing, makes them clear favourites. IDream Tiruppur Tamizhans – The Dark Horses Tipped as underdogs at the start, ITT shocked the league with aggressive batting and smart bowling. With T Natarajan leading the attack and Sai Kishore providing control in the middle overs, they've become a well-oiled machine. Their thumping NRR of +1.733 reflects their dominance in victories. Dindigul Dragons – Ashwin's Tactics and Grit With Ashwin at the helm, the Dragons bring a cerebral edge to the playoffs. Though inconsistent at times, match-winners like Varun Chakaravarthy and Baba Indrajith ensure they're never out of contention. They'll seek redemption against Trichy after their recent loss. Trichy Grand Cholas – The Giant Killers Clawing their way into the playoffs, TGC thrive under pressure. Their last-game win over Dindigul underlines their never-say-die spirit. Keep an eye on Washington Sundar and Sanjay Yadav—two X-factors who can turn games single-handedly. Key Players to Watch in TNPL 2025 Playoffs Jagadeesan Narayan (CSG) – Consistent with the bat and a calming presence behind the stumps. T Natarajan (ITT) – Lethal at the death, his yorkers will be pivotal in tight matches. Ravichandran Ashwin (DD) – Captain, tactician, and wicket-taker. Sanjay Yadav (TGC) – With both bat and ball, he's a game-changer for Trichy. Broadcast and Live Streaming Info All TNPL 2025 playoff matches will be telecast live on Star Sports 1 and Star Sports Tamil, and streamed on FanCode, ensuring fans across the country don't miss a moment of the action.
