The 23 year old left arm spin bowler has seen early success – with records in his name. But also faced dips in his career and has sprung back from them.

His professional career took-off when he was 16 years old, representing Tamil Nadu, which he did until he was 19.  The Tamil Nadu Premier League was launched soon after, and he remains the  leading wicket taker in the league.He was selected to the  senior side of TN team, playing the Vijay Hazare Trophy and was pivotal in the state winning the trophy after a long drought. He was  leading wicket taker in Deodhar Trophy in which he competed with several senior Indian players. He had a dip in his career after that, but is springing back through consistent performances in Ranji Trophy and limited overs games for Tamil Nadu. It took him 3 years to make a cut into IPL, and he now happy to be part of legendary Chennai Super Kings. We wish him all the best for this new phase in my career. Sai is currently in training in Dubai with the CSK readying for the IPL. 

Interview with Sai Kishore

What challenges did you face, in getting to where you are today? 

Nothing felt like a challenge honestly. I loved to be there at the ground every day from the day I started my game in my 7th grade and the so called challenges only brings the competitive side of you out

What drives you to get up in the morning and go training every day? 

Results. I know if I train I’ll be at a better position to reap results. I love to win and more than that I hate to lose so I better win and for that I train.

What is important to you? (Apart from sports what else do you do, and believe in? It’s good for people reading this to know that there are other interests too aside from sports)

I value my family time and personal life. I make sure I’m happy on my personal life so I play without baggage.

How does being an athlete make you a better person? 

Yes and no. Sports teaches you life lessons and if you are willing to learn you become a better person.

One word that describes you? 

CLEANER

What do you give up to play sports?

I don’t give up anything. May be I’m more blessed than most people are.

What mental tool do you use under pressure? 

Preparation. If you are prepared there is no such thing as pressure. It just becomes a natural sports occurrence.

What is your mantra?

The harder you work the luckier you get

If you could play another sport, what would it be?

Marathon

What expectations do you have of a coach? 

To match the desire and ethics that I show for success

At what age did you know that you wanted to become a professional sports person?

17

What do you do to calm your butterflies when you compete?

Deep breaths. Trigger words of process.

What coaches, teachers or other people have been great influences in your life and why or how? 

KOBE BRYANT through his ability to outwork people

What one word or phrase do you want people to associate with your name? 

OVER ACHIEVER

What kind of philanthropic work are you involved in, if any? 

Nothing as such

What’s on your iPod right now? (What music genres and which artists do you enjoy listening to before a match?)

Fast beat and soul touching

Why do you think everyone should play a sport? 

It teaches you lessons to handle life better like DISCIPLINE, WORK ETHICS, NEVER GIVING UP, and COMPASSION TOWARDS FELLOW PEOPLE.

Which sport would you not let your child play? Why? 

None.

What do you do to keep fit? Nutrition? 

Currently I focus on good healthy balanced diet to match my calorie needs. AND definitely no sugar

How do you incorporate mindfulness practices into sports

I have benefitted from visualisation techniques I practice during season