Kolkata Tiigers Secure First Victory in ISPL Season 3 Against Bengaluru
Kolkata Tiigers Triumph in ISPL Season 3 Opener
Surat (Gujarat) [India], January 16: The Kolkata Tiigers achieved their inaugural victory in ISPL Season 3 with a solid all-around display against Bengaluru during their second league match at the Lalbhai Contractor Stadium.
After winning the toss and choosing to bat first, the Tiigers set a challenging target of 77 runs for 5 wickets, a score that proved sufficient on a pitch where bowlers who maintained the right lengths were always in contention.
Central to Kolkata's innings was Rajat Mundhe, the recipient of the Gully to Glory Award, who demonstrated remarkable composure. His innings of 35 runs off 28 balls, featuring a six and a vital nine-run hit, steadied the innings as wickets fell around him, ensuring the Tiigers had a defendable total.
The match's pivotal moment came from the bowling of Saroj Paramanik, who was named Man of the Match for his exceptional performance. Saroj allowed only 9 runs in his two overs, but it was his 7th over that shifted the match's momentum. Tasked with defending 10 runs to deny Bengaluru a 50% bonus, he conceded just 6 runs, effectively pulling back three crucial runs from the opposition and swinging the momentum firmly in Kolkata's favor. This marked Saroj's first Man of the Match award since the league's inception.
For Saroj, this recognition is a testament to years of dedication. Growing up in Kolkata, he began his cricket journey in street games and local matches long before turning professional at 22. He has built a steady career in tennis-ball cricket, prioritizing consistency over fame. Now at 33, Saroj is respected in Bengal's cricketing circles for his reliability, having participated in major tournaments like the AGSC Cup and Durgapur Big Bash, often reaching the finals. Supported by a close-knit family and enriched by experiences from three ISPL seasons, including a stint as an Icon Player with Hyderabad, Saroj remains focused on performance and seizing opportunities.
Reflecting on the victory, Saroj stated, “This is my third season, and my first Man of the Match. After our initial loss, I concentrated on motivating the team. I reminded everyone to focus on the future and not dwell on past mistakes. We had faith in our ability to win, and that belief was crucial. I hope Vivek's injury from trying to catch the ball isn't serious.”
Tiigers captain Bhavesh Pawar quickly recognized Saroj's influence, saying, “Saroj Dada bowled with great confidence, and we learned a lot from his performance. In these conditions, a batsman who plays with a straight bat has a better chance of scoring runs, as the ball is hard.”
Head Coach Nilesh Kadam also commended the senior bowler's impact on the team. “Saroj brings calmness and clarity under pressure. His spell not only restricted runs but also boosted the entire team's confidence. Performances like his set the benchmark for the squad,” Kadam noted.
The Kolkata Tiigers are now set to build on this victory as they prepare to face Srinagar at the Lalbhai Contractor Stadium in Surat on January 16, 2026, with the match starting at 5:30 PM IST.