Debutant D. Deepesh credits Sai Kishore’s advice after wicketless spell in Jaipur

Debutant pacer D. Deepesh on Monday in Jaipur credited Tamil Nadu captain Sai Kishore with helping him stay patient during a long wicketless spell against Rajasthan in the ongoing Ranji Trophy match at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium. He said that after following Sai Kishore’s guidance he took one wicket and then two more followed from the same effort.

Deepesh recounted the instruction he received from his captain, saying: "Sai Kishore helped me a lot. He told me, 'You bowl and give your full effort. I don't mind if runs are scored off you. You will get a wicket. As long as you give your full effort, that is enough for me.' While I was doing that, I got one wicket, and then two more came from the same effort," he said.

On his use of short-pitched bowling, Deepesh explained the tactical reasoning and its effectiveness: "It was not that everyone could leave the bouncer easily. They were all going for their shots. We felt it would be useful because of the areas they were trying to hit, so we used the bouncer a lot," he said.

Deepesh also pointed to his experience in the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association first-division league as preparation for sustained spells without wickets, outlining workload and expectations: "In first-division matches, bowling eight or 10 overs is normal for us. Getting even one wicket after 10 overs is a big thing on those wickets, which are mostly spin-friendly or flat. If we bowl 10 overs and get two maidens, we are very happy. Playing on those pitches has helped me here," he said.

The comments were made during the ongoing Ranji Trophy match at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur; the report was published on October 12, 2026 08:18 pm IST.