Sai Kishore takes 10 wickets, including hat-trick, as Tamil Nadu thrash Uttarakhand

Sai Kishore takes 10 wickets, including hat-trick, as Tamil Nadu thrash Uttarakhand

Sai Kishore’s Hat-Trick Headlines Tamil Nadu’s Ranji Trophy Win Over Uttarakhand

Tamil Nadu spinner R. Sai Kishore delivered the standout moment of the Ranji Trophy 2026–27 season so far, claiming its first hat-trick and completing a 10-wicket match haul against Uttarakhand at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium. The left-arm spinner’s decisive spell helped cap a dominant all-round performance from Tamil Nadu and offered an early-season reminder of his value in red-ball cricket.

Sai struck in the 43rd over of Uttarakhand’s second innings, dismissing Lakshya Raichandani, Saurabh Rawat and Aditya Rawat in three consecutive deliveries. The sequence brought the innings to a dramatic close and gave the home side a fitting finish to a match in which its bowlers repeatedly kept Uttarakhand under pressure.

Three wickets in three balls seal a memorable performance

In the second innings, Sai finished with six wickets from 16 overs, including the hat-trick. He had already taken four wickets in Uttarakhand’s first innings, bringing his match tally to 10. It was a commanding display of control and variation from the experienced spinner, who made effective use of the Chennai conditions to trouble batters throughout the contest.

A hat-trick is a rare achievement in first-class cricket, where batters have more time to settle and bowlers must sustain pressure over long spells. Sai’s feat was particularly significant because it came at the end of the match, with three successive dismissals turning his strong spell into the defining highlight of the game. For Tamil Nadu supporters, it was also a compelling prediction of the impact he could have as the season progresses.

The performance continued a promising start to Sai’s domestic campaign. He took four wickets against Rajasthan in Jaipur in Tamil Nadu’s opening fixture, then raised his level further on home ground against Uttarakhand. That consistency is valuable in a long Ranji Trophy season, where teams need their leading bowlers to deliver across different pitches and match situations.

County Championship form carried into the domestic season

Sai arrived at the Ranji Trophy after a productive spell with Gloucestershire in England’s County Championship Division Two. Across six matches for the county, he collected 22 wickets, including a seven-wicket haul against Derbyshire in Bristol. Those outings gave him regular exposure to demanding first-class cricket and helped build momentum ahead of Tamil Nadu’s domestic campaign.

Success in county cricket can offer spinners a different kind of test. English conditions often require patience, changes in pace and careful use of flight, while Indian pitches may provide more assistance as a match develops. Sai’s recent performances suggest he has been able to adapt his approach, using control and accuracy as well as turn to create chances.

At 29, he has already established a substantial record in the longer format. Sai has taken 259 first-class wickets in 62 matches and 110 innings, including two 10-wicket match hauls, 16 five-wicket innings and 13 four-wicket returns. His List A record is also strong, with 105 wickets from 67 matches. These figures underline why he remains a key figure in Tamil Nadu’s bowling plans.

A limited international career, but a clear record of skill

Sai has also represented India in three T20 Internationals, all during the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou. He claimed three wickets for just 12 runs against Bangladesh and took one wicket against Nepal, while finishing wicketless against Afghanistan. Although he has not yet had an extended international opportunity, his domestic and overseas performances continue to keep him in the conversation among India’s left-arm spin options.

His international appearances came in a short-format setting, but his strongest credentials have been built in first-class cricket. The Uttarakhand match once again showcased the qualities that make him effective over long spells: disciplined lines, a willingness to attack the stumps and the ability to maintain pressure until batters take risks.

Tamil Nadu’s batting built the platform

Sai’s bowling was central to the result, but Tamil Nadu’s batters also laid the groundwork for a comprehensive performance. The hosts made 313 in their first innings after Uttarakhand had been dismissed for 134. Pradosh Ranjan Paul led the way with a patient 136 from 279 balls, striking 12 boundaries. His long stay at the crease gave Tamil Nadu the stability to build a substantial lead.

Experienced batter Baba Indrajith contributed 77 from 217 deliveries, adding further resistance and helping extend the innings. Their contrasting contributions—Paul’s century and Indrajith’s measured support—demonstrated the value of partnerships in a format where time at the crease can change the direction of a match.

Uttarakhand’s Mayank Mishra claimed five wickets, providing his side with a bright spot amid a difficult outing. However, Tamil Nadu’s total proved imposing, especially after its bowlers restricted the visitors to a modest first-innings score.

Uttarakhand struggles as Tamil Nadu bowlers dominate

Uttarakhand’s batting difficulties continued in the second innings, when the side was dismissed for 113. Four batters were out for ducks, and each of those dismissals came against Sai, highlighting how effectively he exploited the situation. Gurjapneet Singh had also played a major role earlier in the match, taking four wickets in the first innings to share the damage with Sai.

The two innings revealed the depth of Tamil Nadu’s attack. Sai supplied the decisive spin, while Gurjapneet offered important support with the ball. Together, they kept Uttarakhand from building sustained partnerships and ensured that the home side remained in control.

What Sai Kishore’s performance means for the season

One match does not determine a season, but Sai’s 10-wicket haul and hat-trick provide Tamil Nadu with an encouraging early result. His form, combined with his recent County Championship success, gives the team a dependable strike option as the Ranji Trophy campaign develops. If he maintains this level of accuracy and wicket-taking threat, he could play a major role in Tamil Nadu’s push for a deep run.

For cricket followers tracking emerging Ranji Trophy storylines, Sai’s performance is one to watch. The hat-trick was the headline, but the broader message was his sustained effectiveness across both innings. Tamil Nadu will hope that this combination of experience, recent overseas exposure and early-season rhythm continues to translate into match-winning spells.

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