Kolkata Tiigers Bolster Roster for ISPL Season 4 Championship Bid
Kolkata Tiigers Enhance Squad for Upcoming ISPL Season
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], November 15: The Kolkata Tiigers have made significant additions to their roster by acquiring Rajat Mundhe for ₹15.05 lakh and Krushna Gawali for ₹14.75 lakh during the ongoing auction for the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) Season 4. These acquisitions aim to strengthen their batting lineup as they pursue a second championship title.
Among the seven players signed by the inaugural champions is under-19 talent Amay Jitendra Lad, bringing their total squad count to eight, alongside the retained batter Saif Ali. The franchise, owned by Aksha Kamboj and Aspect Sports, with Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan as co-owners, is determined to improve upon their runners-up finish from Season 3. They have retained Saif Ali, the league's all-time leading run-scorer and last season's Best Batter, and appointed their inaugural title-winning captain, Prathamesh Pawar, as the coach.
Aksha Kamboj, Group Chairperson & Managing Director of Aspect Global Ventures India Pvt. Ltd., stated, "Reaching the finals last season has intensified our ambition for Season 4. We aim to compete for the trophy again, which necessitates strategic decisions, disciplined preparation, and a cohesive squad. Retaining Saif and appointing Prathamesh as coach ensures continuity and brings valuable experience. We entered the auction with specific roles to fill and a clear vision for the team's character. Our duty is to provide players with the support and confidence needed for consistent performance."
Mundhe and Gawali were the standout signings for the franchise, with Gawali being secured through the Right to Match (RTM) option. The Tiigers also exercised RTM for bowler Vivek Shelar while adding all-rounders Amay Lad, Parivesh Dhar, and Darshan Bandekar, along with batter Pavan Kene. Lad's selection offers the young all-rounder a chance to shine alongside seasoned competitors in the league.
Saif Ali Khan, Co-owner of the Tiigers, remarked, "My family's ties to Bengal and cricket make the Tiigers special. Prathamesh understands what it takes to win with this team, and Saif Ali has delivered remarkable performances with the bat. We are eager to welcome players who can enhance that experience and help us build another formidable campaign. We want Kolkata to take pride in how this team competes."
Pawar's return as coach reunites the Tiigers with the captain whose leadership and batting prowess helped them navigate early challenges to become the inaugural champions. As the franchise gears up for Season 4, its motto, "Rooted in Legacy. Roaring with Pride," continues to embody its connection with Kolkata and its fanbase.
Kareena Kapoor Khan, Co-owner of the Tiigers, expressed, "A team's colors gain significance through the fans who embrace them. Our supporters celebrate every boundary, experience every nail-biting finish, and stand by the Tiigers during tough times. That bond is incredibly meaningful to us. As we unveil our new jersey, we anticipate witnessing the unmistakable Kolkata passion behind the team once more. We aspire to give our fans even more reasons to cheer."
With nine players confirmed so far and the auction still ongoing, the Tiigers are focused on transforming last season's runners-up finish into a championship victory.
Current Tiigers of Kolkata ISPL Season 4 Squad
1. Saif Ali — Batter (Retained)
2. Amay Jitendra Lad — All-rounder (Under-19)
3. Parivesh Dhar — All-rounder (South Central)
4. Rajat Mundhe — Batter (West)
5. Darshan Bandekar — All-rounder (West)
6. Krushna Gawali — Batter (West, RTM)
7. Vivek Shelar — Bowler (West, RTM)
8. Pavan Kene — Batter (West)
9. Vishwajit Thakur — All-rounder (West)
Coach: Prathamesh Pawar.