Asian Games 2023 [WATCH]: ‘Emotional’ Sai Kishore chokes during the national anthem – IND vs NEP

Table of Contents

Dinesh Karthik’s reaction
Winning start for India

A poignant moment drew everyone’s focus when young cricketer R. Sai Kishore stepped onto the field to perform the rendition of India‘s national anthem before the match against Nepal in the ongoing Asian Games Men’s T20I 2023, Hangzhou. Wearing the national jersey for the first time, he could not suppress his tears of delight.

Kishore’s unfiltered emotions on display vividly conveyed the significance of those moments to him. Following years of dedicated effort in the domestic circuit, he earned a spot in the 2023 Asian Games squad, representing the Indian team led by Ruturaj Gaikwad.

On his debut, the 26-year-old made an impressive mark by securing figures of 1/25 in four overs and completing three catches. In doing so, he accomplished a unique feat, becoming the second cricketer after Pakistan’s Hussain Talat to pick up a wicket and three catches during their inaugural men’s T20 international appearance.

Also READ: Team-wise youngest players featuring in the ODI World Cup 2023

Emotions aplenty as Sai Kishore swelled up during the national anthem of 🇮🇳, making his T20I debut today 🆚🇳🇵
Drop a 💙 if you believe hard work always pays off 🙌💯#Cheer4India #TeamIndia #Cricket #HangzhouAsianGames #AsianGames2023 #SonyLIV pic.twitter.com/x9fdZjIGg2
— Sony LIV (@SonyLIV) October 3, 2023

It is worth noting that the Chennai-born cricketer has a commendable track record in domestic circuit. He boasts impressive stats, having secured 57 wickets in 49 T20 matches with an economical bowling rate of 5.48. Additionally, he has accumulated a total of 113 wickets in first-class cricket and an additional 73 wickets in List-A cricket.

Dinesh Karthik’s reaction

Indian wicket-keeper Dinesh Karthik reacted on this emotional moment, praising Kishore for his hard work and consistent performances in domestic cricket, which ultimately paved the way for him to the national side.

“God has his ways of giving back to people who work hard This unbelievable player@saik_99 who has DOMINATED domestic cricket with white ball is an absolute superstar and I couldn’t be happier for him. Woke up in the morning and when I saw his name in the 11 , i was emotional seeing it. You want some people to do well , he was always on the top of my list . The way he’s improved his batting tells you all about him , he was literally a STROKELESS wonder, and from there he’s absolutely transformed into someone who can be relied upon in any format I can keep speaking about him , but for now I’m just so happy to see him become an INDIAN cricketer and noone can ever take that away from him Go well sai” tweeted Karthik.

God has his ways of giving back to people who work hard
This unbelievable player @saik_99 who has DOMINATED domestic cricket with white ball is an absolute superstar and I couldn't be happier for him.
Woke up in the morning and when I saw his name in the 11 , i was… https://t.co/6RijBdRP6R
— DK (@DineshKarthik) October 3, 2023

Winning start for India

India registered a 23-run victory against Nepal in the first Quarter-final on Tuesday. Yashasvi Jaiswal emerged as the star for the Men in Blue, playing a blazing knock of 100 runs in just 49 balls and leading his side to a remarkable total of 202-4.

Chasing a massive total, Nepal notched up 179-9 in the stipulated 20 overs, eventually losing the contest.