Tamil Nadu left-arm spinner R. Sai Kishore has joined Gloucestershire for the final six matches of the County Championship Division Two season, beginning another stint in English county cricket.
The move will bring Sai Kishore’s involvement in the ongoing Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) 2026 season to an early end. He had been leading iDream Tiruppur Tamizhans in the tournament before securing the Gloucestershire deal.
Sai Kishore had taken six wickets in the TNPL this season while maintaining an economy rate of 7.21. He also contributed with the bat, scoring 49 runs across five innings.
The Gloucestershire assignment will be the spinner’s second experience in county cricket. Sai Kishore made his first appearance in the competition last season when he represented Surrey in two matches.
The 29-year-old brings considerable red-ball experience to Gloucestershire after establishing himself as one of Tamil Nadu’s leading bowlers in first-class cricket. He has collected 223 wickets from 54 first-class matches, including 14 five-wicket hauls.
Gloucestershire head coach Jon Lewis believes conditions during the closing stages of the season could suit Sai Kishore’s bowling and allow him to play an important role for the team.
“The conditions at this time of year are often very conducive to spin bowling, so we’re hopeful Sai can make a significant contribution and have a really positive impact on the team,” Lewis said following the signing.
Sai Kishore arrives at a crucial stage of Gloucestershire’s campaign, with the club struggling at the bottom of the Division Two standings.
Gloucestershire have managed only one victory from their opening eight matches of the season and will hope the addition of the Indian spinner can strengthen their bowling attack during the final stretch of the competition.
Their next County Championship fixture begins on August 20, when they take on Worcestershire.
With six matches remaining, Sai Kishore will now have another opportunity to test his skills in English conditions while Gloucestershire look to improve their position after a difficult start to the season.
