Tamil Nadu captain Sai Kishore described the team’s first Ranji Trophy win of the season against Odisha on Sunday as “more relief than anything,” admitting the side had fallen short of its own standards through the campaign.

He highlighted several individual performances, particularly Sonu Yadav’s decisive all-round display (5/30, 74 & 2/39). “It was an out-and-out match-winning performance. He has always been in and out, done his bit, but this was a proper match-winning effort,” he said.

Drawing from past experience, Sai Kishore pointed to earlier seasons where results were underwhelming but laid the foundation for strong individual careers.

“After winning the 2016-17 Vijay Hazare Trophy, we were very dull for a couple of seasons. From those seasons, four or five players really picked up and went on to have very good First-Class careers. We have to look at it that way — who gets confidence from this and who can be very good next year,” he said.

When asked about the team being in transition, Sai Kishore rejected the idea that transition should mean lowered expectations. “When you’re in transition, what you need is a smooth transition,” he said.

“People have to pull up their socks and take responsibility. You’re playing for Tamil Nadu — it comes with a tag. People follow this team, they travel to watch us play.

“Even if there is a transition, results should be immediate — not necessarily in wins and losses, but in how you play. This match was a very good positive. If we build on this and win the Baroda game, it would be a great finish and give good confidence for the next season,” he added.