Rahul Tripathi to Captain PBG Kolhapur Tuskers in MPL Season 3 as Pre-Season Training Kicks Off in Pune

PBG Kolhapur Tuskers have commenced their focused 10-day pre-season training camp in Pune ahead of Maharashtra Premier League (MPL) Season 3.

Set at the Shinde High School Ground, the camp aims to create early momentum, integrate fresh talent-including this season's highest auction purchase, Rajneesh Gurbani-and build a strong foundation for a title-winning run, with Captain Rahul Tripathi leading the charge.

With a track record of guiding the team to the playoffs in both previous MPL seasons, head coach Akshay Darekar and assistant coach Amit Kushte are prioritizing improvements in fielding standards.

Fielding coach Amit Patil, a former Maharashtra Ranji player and assistant coach for the Maharashtra Ranji team, brings valuable experience to the camp. With deep knowledge of the local cricket circuit and opponent strengths, the coaching staff has adopted a step-by-step approach during the 10-day camp to allow players to settle into their roles, sharpen their skills, and build up to peak performance ahead of the season.

This season, the Tuskers have assembled a 29-member squad, retaining 11 players from last season and signing 18 new faces. Among the key players retained are 2023 and 2024 Orange Cap winner, Ankeet Bawne, vice-captain Shrikant Mundhe, and India U-19 World Cup batter, Sachin Dhas-who have been with the team since its inception. These seasoned players have already begun training alongside the newcomers, including top auction pick Rajneesh Gurbani, who will join the camp later, and Captain Tripathi, who is currently playing for Chennai in the IPL.

Punit Balan, the team's owner, shared his thoughts on the team's preparations: "We've put together a squad that blends fresh talent with experienced players who understand our system. With Coach Akshay Darekar and our coaching staff, we've created a high-intensity pre-season camp to ensure every player is aligned with our tactical approach and team culture. This camp is about building on last season's success and developing a culture that drives on-field performance and fan engagement."

The camp has also seen a mix of returning players, such as Dhanraj Shinde, Siddharth Mhatre, and Shreyas Chavan, alongside new recruits like Vishant More and Sunil Yadav, both of whom bring vast domestic cricket experience. Additionally, fresh talent, such as U-19 players Sumit Dhengle and Ayush Ubhe, are experiencing their first taste of MPL-level cricket. The squad also features eight U-23 players who are adapting to the team's strategies and training intensity.

Captain Rahul Tripathi expressed confidence in the team's composition, stating: "We have a well-rounded squad this season with strength across all departments. There's a good mix of experience and youthful energy, which gives us depth and flexibility. But we've learned that talent alone doesn't guarantee success. We've come close in previous seasons, and that feeling of just falling short motivates us even more. This year, it's about pushing harder, staying united, and converting those near-misses into a championship."

The Tuskers had an impressive run in the MPL's inaugural season, finishing second with four wins out of five matches and reaching the final. Last year, despite five wins from ten matches, they ended up third and progressed to the penultimate round. With the focused preparations underway, the Tuskers are aiming for nothing less than a title victory in Season 3.