Left-arm spinner Sai Kishore has spoken about the difficulty level of playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL), compared to Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) or the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL).
The Gujarat Titans bowler had a breakthrough IPL 2025, claiming 19 wickets in 15 matches. He went to play the County Championship in England and took a five-wicket haul for Surrey against Durham.
Speaking to Sportstar, the player from Tamil Nadu said performing in the IPL was like a concert by A. R. Rahman, where quality is everything.
“When you go to the IPL, all your senses switch on,” he said. “There’s a lot at stake because one good season can secure your career. In Mushtaq Ali or TNPL, the standard of cricket isn’t very different, but the mindset is. I see it like an artist. Take an A. R. Rahman concert — whether it’s in Wembley, Chennai, or Mumbai, the quality has to remain the same.”
In addition to that, Kishore also spoke about the pressure he has to face in maintaining his focus when switching leagues, from IPL to TNPL.
“Skill-wise, IPL is tougher. But psychologically, TNPL can be more challenging. Complacency creeps in — you feel you’ve played the IPL and now you’re back. Maintaining the same focus becomes the real test,” Kishore added.
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