Defending champions Kataka Panthers unveiled their full squad and official team song at the Ramdaspur facility in Barang, Cuttack, on 13 September 2026, signalling their intent to retain the Odisha T20 League title. The team opens their title defence on 20 September against Sambalpur Warriors in the tournament opener.

Tournament Overview

The Odisha T20 League 2026, organised under the aegis of the Odisha Cricket Association (OCA), runs from 20 September to 29 September 2026 at the historic Barabati Stadium in Cuttack. The 10-day, 17-match competition features six franchises — Sambalpur Warriors, Bhubaneswar Tigers, Puri Titans, Keonjhar Miners, Rourkela Steelers, and the Panthers — with the top teams earning a direct berth in the final on 29 September.

The Captain Speaks

Skipper Biplab Samantaray, who has represented Deccan Chargers Hyderabad (2012) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (2013) and holds a half-century to his credit in the Indian Premier League (IPL), stressed the weight of defending champions' responsibility. 'Walking onto the ground as defending champions is a tremendous badge of honor, but it also demands utter responsibility and zero room for complacency,' he said. 'Our goal is to dominate early, stay consistent, and aim straight for that top spot on the table to secure a direct berth in the final on September 29.'

Samantaray added that the squad had been built to cover all bases. 'We have built an electrifying squad that blends fearless power-hitters, versatile all-rounders, and sharp bowlers. Every player is hungry, locked in on our processes, and prepared to give 200% on the field to bring back-to-back championship trophies home for Cuttack.'

Coach and Franchise on IPL Ambitions

Head coach Pravanjan Mullick, who guided the Panthers to last season's title alongside Samantaray, underlined the dual purpose of the tournament — defending the trophy while earning wider recognition for Odisha's players. 'Beyond defending our title, this league is an extraordinary showcase for our players, with national spotters and IPL scouts analysing every game,' Mullick said. 'It's been a couple of seasons since Odisha players broke into IPL franchises, and our boys have the raw talent, mental fortitude, and firepower to bridge that gap.'

Franchise owner Susanta Kumar Panda, Managing Director of Jay Bharat Spices Pvt. Ltd. (Bharat Masala), echoed this long-term vision. 'As defending champions, we want the boys to pour all their heart and energy into the tournament, working towards our ultimate dream of an Odisha IPL franchise,' he said. Notably, Bharat Masala serves as the team's title sponsor, and Panda credited the sponsor's backing for energising the squad's preparations.

Full Squad

The Kataka Panthers will field the following players in Odisha T20 League 2026: Biplab Samantaray (Captain), Piyush Mantri, Sibun Nanda, Sourav Gouda, Priyanshu Mohanty, Soumyaranjan Biswal, Subham Satrujit, Raaz Yadav, M Goutam Gopal, Kartik Biswal, Subhasis Mallick, D Ayush, Prasant Rana, Abhiroop Das, Abhishek Singh, and Sarthak S Prakash.

With IPL scouts reportedly set to follow the tournament and every one of the 17 league games carrying knockout-level significance, the Panthers enter Odisha T20 League 2026 as both the team to beat and the franchise with the most to prove.