India’s left-arm spinner R. Sai Kishore has signed with Gloucestershire for the remaining six matches of the 2026 County Championship season. Kishore, aged 29, will be eligible for selection starting from Gloucestershire’s upcoming Championship game against Worcestershire at Cheltenham on Thursday, August 20. He had previously performed well in the County Championship with Surrey in 2025, where he secured 11 wickets in two matches.
“I am deeply grateful to Jon and everyone at Gloucestershire for giving me this opportunity. Gloucestershire is a club with a rich history and a fantastic setup, and the chance to play my cricket here is incredibly exciting,” said Kishore in a statement released by the club. He expressed his eagerness to test his skills in English conditions and highlighted that after discussions with the management, he felt this move was the right fit for him.
Known as one of India’s top domestic red-ball bowlers, Kishore has represented Tamil Nadu in the Ranji Trophy and has taken 223 wickets in 54 first-class games, which include 14 five-wicket hauls. Additionally, Kishore was part of India’s gold medal-winning squad at the 2023 Asian Games and has also been a notable figure in the Indian Premier League (IPL), securing 33 wickets in 28 appearances, with limited opportunities in the recent season with the Gujarat Titans.
Gloucestershire’s Jon Lewis, the former head coach of England women’s team, welcomed Kishore’s signing, expressing confidence in the spinner’s ability to excel in the late-summer playing conditions. Lewis emphasized the excitement within the club about adding Kishore to the squad, noting his experience and skill set. He highlighted the potential impact Kishore could have as an overseas spinner in the final six County Championship matches, particularly considering the favorable spin-bowling conditions typically seen at this time of the year.
