Gloucestershire have secured the services of Indian international left-arm spinner Sai Kishore for the concluding six matches of the 2026 County Championship season. Standing at 6 feet 3 inches, Kishore brings valuable experience and skill to the squad, with his Gloucestershire debut scheduled for the Championship clash against Worcestershire at Cheltenham starting Thursday, August 20.
Following this fixture, Gloucestershire will face Derbyshire and Middlesex at Bristol, before travelling to Durham, Lancashire, and Kent for their remaining matches.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Kishore said, “I am deeply grateful to Jon Lewis and everyone at Gloucestershire for this opportunity. The club has a rich history and an excellent setup, making this a thrilling chapter in my career. I have long wished to test my skills in English conditions, and after discussions with the management, I feel this is the perfect fit. I’m eager to wear the Gloucestershire jersey, meet the fans, and contribute to the team’s success.”
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Jon Lewis, Gloucestershire’s director of cricket, added, “We’re delighted to welcome Sai to the squad. He is a proven and experienced cricketer who will add significant strength to our group. The club is dedicated to raising its performance in the final six Championship matches, and the introduction of an overseas spinner at this stage can be a game-changer. Given the spin-friendly conditions during this period, we anticipate Sai will have a positive impact.”
Kishore’s credentials include representing Tamil Nadu in the Ranji Trophy, where over 54 first-class matches he has taken 223 wickets, with multiple four- and five-wicket hauls. In 2025, he impressed in the County Championship with Surrey, including a memorable five-wicket haul against Durham and claiming the wicket of former England Test star Jonny Bairstow as his first Championship scalp.
In the Indian Premier League, Kishore is known for his consistency across 28 matches, taking 33 wickets at an average of 21.12. His standout IPL performance came in 2024 when he recorded figures of 4-33 against the Punjab Kings. Internationally, he contributed to India’s gold medal triumph at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, notably taking three wickets in the semi-final.
Separately, Sky Sports has confirmed that Gloucestershire’s upcoming Vitality Blast match against Glamorgan at the Seat Unique Stadium on Sunday will not be broadcast live but will commence at 2:30 pm. As of now, Gloucestershire sit second in the Central & West Group with 24 points, closely trailing group leaders Yorkshire. Glamorgan are fifth in the South Group and still have a mathematical chance to qualify, sitting four points behind both Gloucestershire and Worcestershire.
Before this crucial Blast fixture, both teams face away matches on Friday evening: Glamorgan at Edgbaston against Warwickshire, and Gloucestershire at New Road against Worcestershire. The outcomes of these matches will significantly influence the final group stage standings.