On the eve of the Buchi Babu Cricket Tournament 2024, a captivating encounter unfolded between TNCA XI skipper Sai Kishore and Mumbai‘s Shreyas Iyer during a net session. Their friendly rivalry, marked by playful banter, set the stage for an intriguing showdown.

Sai Kishore and Shreyas Iyer’s friendly banter begins

As Iyer took to the nets, he aimed to gain a psychological edge over the crafty left-arm spinner, Kishore. In a bid to rattle his opponent, Iyer provocatively suggested, “If you keep a long-off fielder from the first over, I will go over him.” Kishore, unfazed by the challenge, confidently retorted, “Go for it,” showcasing his readiness to engage in the mind games of cricket.

Kishore’s tactical victory against Iyer

When the two faced off in the actual match, Kishore’s strategic acumen came to the forefront. Instead of placing a conventional long-off fielder, he cleverly positioned a fielder behind Iyer in an unorthodox manner. This tactical decision paid off when Iyer, tempted by the gap, attempted a powerful pull shot but ended up hitting straight into the hands of the fielder at short midwicket. Consequently, Iyer was dismissed for a mere two runs, marking a significant victory for Kishore in their duel.

Here’s the video:

SHORT AND SWEET INNINGS BY BEST PLAYER OF SPIN FROM INDIA – SHREYAS IYER:
1st ball – Edges between slips and silly point
2nd ball – Plays on backfoot (looked uncomfortable)
3rd ball- Trying to pull it off a spinner – gets OUT.#ShreyasIyer #CricketTwitter https://t.co/6SrjP2Cxgw pic.twitter.com/vOIWghdV52

— Naman (@17_18_45) August 28, 2024

Also READ: Sai Kishore challenges the BCCI selectors, declares readiness for India vs Bangladesh Test series

Kishore chalks out another plan for Suryakumar Yadav

The drama didn’t end with Iyer’s dismissal. Kishore’s keen cricketing intellect was further demonstrated as he turned his attention to the dangerous Suryakumar Yadav, affectionately known as Mr. 360. Yadav was in fine form, showcasing an array of shots that kept the scoreboard ticking with a strike rate of 78.95. Recognizing the need to disrupt Yadav’s rhythm, Kishore introduced left-arm bowler S. Ajith Ram into the attack. This strategic move proved to be a game-changer. Yadav, attempting to unleash a powerful sweep shot, misjudged the delivery and was sent back to the pavilion, further solidifying Kishore’s dominance in the match.

TNCA XI takes command over Mumbai

As the match progressed, TNCA XI established a commanding position, amassing 379 runs in their first innings. In stark contrast, Mumbai struggled under pressure, with their captain Sarfaraz Khan notably absent from the crease despite the team losing seven wickets due to illness. Kishore’s tactical prowess and the successful execution of his game plan left TNCA XI in the driver’s seat, showcasing the effectiveness of his leadership and cricketing strategy.

Also READ: IPL 2025: KKR to trade Shreyas Iyer for Suryakumar Yadav? Here’s what we know

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