Injured R Sai Kishore to Miss Buchi Babu Tournament, Eyes Duleep Trophy Return

Injured R Sai Kishore to Miss Buchi Babu Tournament, Eyes Duleep Trophy Return

Tamil Nadu captain R Sai Kishore has been ruled out of the upcoming Buchi Babu tournament after sustaining a hand injury during a first-division club match in Chennai last weekend. The left-arm spinner is, however, optimistic about regaining fitness in time for the Duleep Trophy, scheduled to begin on August 28 in Bengaluru.

Sai Kishore, 28, is understood to have injured his hand while attempting to stop a drive from M Shahrukh Khan in his follow-through during a game at the Guru Nanak College Ground last Sunday. The injury comes as a setback for Tamil Nadu ahead of the new domestic season, particularly in the spin department, which has already been hit by fitness concerns.

The spinner is a part of the South Zone squad for the Duleep Trophy, with their campaign starting on September 4 at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.

In Sai Kishore’s absence, Pradosh Ranjan Paul has been named captain of the TNCA President’s XI for the Buchi Babu tournament, with C Andre Siddarth serving as his deputy. Paul was initially set to lead the TNCA XI, but following the reshuffle, that side will now be captained by M Shahrukh Khan.

Tamil Nadu’s spin stocks have further thinned with fellow left-arm spinner S Ajith Ram also sidelined due to injury. Meanwhile, M Siddharth has shifted from the President’s XI to the TNCA XI due to personal reasons.

Sai Kishore had recently returned from a successful red-ball stint with Surrey in the County Championship, where he claimed 11 wickets across two matches, including a five-for against Durham. He also featured in a local club match after his return to Chennai, before the injury setback occurred.

Despite the injury woes, Tamil Nadu’s squads feature promising talent, including seam-bowling allrounder RS Ambrish and fast bowler D Deepesh — both of whom represented India Under-19 in England earlier this year.

The TNCA XI will open their campaign against a strong Mumbai outfit that includes Sarfaraz Khan, his younger brother Musheer Khan, and Ayush Mhatre, in a match starting August 18 at the Gojan ground on the outskirts of Chennai.

Buchi Babu Tournament – Tamil Nadu Squads

TNCA President’s XI:
Pradosh Ranjan Paul (capt), C Andre Siddarth (vice-capt), B Indrajith, Vijay Shankar, R Vimal Khumar, S Radhakrishnan, S Lokeshwar, G Ajitesh, J Hemchudeshan, RS Ambrish, CV Achyuth, H Trilok Nag, P Saravana Kumar, P Vidyuth, K Abhinav.

TNCA XI:
M Shahrukh Khan (capt), Boopathi Vaishna Kumar (vice-capt), B Sachin, M Siddharth, Tushar Raheja, Kiran Karthikeyan, S Mohamed Ali, S Rithik Easwaran, SR Athish, S Lakshay Jain, DT Chandrasekar, P Vignesh, R Sonu Yadav, D Deepesh, J Prem Kumar, A Esakkimuthu, TD Lokesh Raj.

Key Updates:

  • Sai Kishore sidelined with hand injury, hopeful for Duleep Trophy return.

  • Pradosh Ranjan Paul to lead TNCA President’s XI.

  • Shahrukh Khan takes charge of TNCA XI.

  • Injuries to spinners Ajith Ram and Sai Kishore deplete Tamil Nadu’s spin attack.