Pune,(Orissa Today) June 1 : Kolhapur Tuskers, owned by Punit Balan Group, unveiled their team jersey for the second season of the Maharashtra Premier League T20 cricket tournament as the last edition runners-up officially kicked-off their title challenge at a glitzy ceremony here on Friday.
The function which was also graced by the presence of skipper and former India international Kedar Jadhav, last edition’s highest run scorer Ankit Bawne, experienced all-rounder Shrikant Mundhe and U-19 world cup star Sachin Dhas along with Group Founder and Managing Director Mr Punit Balan.
Kolhapur Tuskers had taken home the runners-up trophy in inaugural edition of the Maharahstra Premier League last year after their final against Ratnagiri Jets and the latter were awarded the trophy as they had finished on top of the league standings thanks to their superior Net Run Rate despite both teams finishing with equal number of wins.
The team management has bolstered the squad this season by picking up Mudhe, who has been part of two IPL teams Kolkata Knight Riders and Sahara Pune Warriors and hard-hitting wicket-keeper batsman Aniket Porwal in the recently concluded auction.
Mudhe has also been appointed the new vice-captain of the team.
“Our aim this season is not just to win the title but also play a brand of cricket that will mesmerise the fans. Last season, a couple of rain affected games hurt us and this time our theme – De Takkar – epitomes our philosophy of taking on every challenge head on with the single-minded pursuit for excellence. My only message to the team is don’t think of the play-offs or the final but just play every match with the same dedication and commitment and victory will be ours,” said Punit Balan while addressing the players and the media.
Speaking on the occasion, skipper Jadhav said, “Last season we didn’t get enough time to prepare. But this time we have prepared very well. I will say that we should enjoy the process and play to our potential then victory will be ours. The challenge for all of us is to perform to the best of our ability and not bother about other factors.”
Kolhapur Tuskers will open their Maharashtra Premier League 2024 campaign against Ratnagiri Jets on Sunday at the MCA stadium in Gahunje with the mega final scheduled to be held on June 22 at the same venue.
