Is Rahul Tripathi Set to Lead PBG Kolhapur Tuskers in MPL 3? Training Commences in Pune

Pune, April 28 (NationPress) The PBG Kolhapur Tuskers have initiated a dedicated 10-day pre-season training camp in Pune in preparation for the Maharashtra Premier League (MPL) Season 3. Taking place at Shinde High School Ground, the camp is designed to foster early momentum, integrate fresh talent such as the league’s highest auction buy this season, Rajneesh Gurbani, with existing core players, and establish a solid foundation for a successful title challenge, with Rahul Tripathi leading the charge as captain.

Having guided the team to playoff appearances in both previous seasons, head coach Akshay Darekar and assistant coach Amit Kushte have kicked off preparations this year with an emphasis on enhancing fielding standards, under the experienced eye of fielding coach Amit Patil, a former Ranji player and assistant coach for the Maharashtra Ranji team.

With a keen understanding of the local circuit and competitor strengths, the coaching staff has devised a phased approach for the 10-day camp, allowing players to acclimatize, refine their roles, and prepare to hit peak performance as the season begins.

This season, the Tuskers have a roster of 29 players, retaining 11 from the prior season while welcoming 18 new signings, including eight newcomers to the MPL. Notable retained players include Ankeet Bawne, the 2023 and 2024 Orange Cap holder, vice-captain Shrikant Mundhe, and Sachin Dhas, an India U-19 World Cup batter, who have been integral since the team's inception.

Captain Tripathi, who is currently playing for the Chennai Super Kings in India’s premier T20 league, along with top auction acquisition Rajneesh, who is with the Delhi Capitals, will join the camp at a later date.

Tripathi commented on the squad's composition, stating, “We have a really well-rounded team this season – with strength and solid support across all areas. There’s a healthy blend of experience and promising young talent, providing us with flexibility and depth. However, we’ve learned from previous seasons that talent alone doesn’t guarantee success. We’ve come close before, and that feeling of narrowly missing out continues to motivate us. This time, it’s about pushing harder, staying united, and transforming those near misses into something extraordinary.”

The current camp has united returning players like Dhanraj Shinde, Siddharth Mhatre, and Shreyas Chavan with new auction signings Vishant More and Sunil Yadav, both seasoned veterans in Maharashtra's domestic cricket.

New talents Sumit Dhengle and Ayush Ubhe, both U-19 players, are experiencing their first MPL season, alongside eight U-23 players who are familiarizing themselves with the team's strategies and intensity during this ongoing camp.

Team owner Punit Balan expressed, “We’ve strategically assembled a squad that combines exciting new talent with seasoned players who are deeply acquainted with our system. Under the leadership of Coach Akshay Darekar and our committed coaching staff, the team is undergoing an intensive pre-season camp aimed at aligning every player with our tactical framework and cultural vision.”

The PBG Kolhapur Tuskers previously finished second in the inaugural season of the league, achieving four wins out of five, while also reaching the finals. Last year, the team secured five wins from ten matches, finishing third and progressing to the penultimate round.