Tiigers of Kolkata 'Proud' despite Final heartbreak in ISPL 2026

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Tiigers of Kolkata concluded ISPL Season 3 as runners-up, staging an impressive resurgence after a challenging second season following their inaugural title triumph.

The team made an immediate statement by amassing a then-tournament-record 136 runs against Srinagar in their league opener, only to eclipse it later with 149 runs versus the same opponents, the highest team total of Season 3. This effort yielded the league's largest margin of victory at 93 runs.

Their aggressive approach persisted into the knockouts, exemplified by a commanding 124-run total against Mumbai in the Eliminator, establishing Tiigers as one of the season's most captivating sides.

Saif Ali anchored the batting lineup, earning Best Batter honors with 225 runs and underscoring his reliability at the top. He received robust support from the middle order, where Krushna Gawali (183 runs), Saroj Paramanik (180 runs), and Rajat Mundhe (158 runs) all ranked among the season's top 10 run-scorers, reflecting the unit's formidable depth.

Krushna Gawali further immortalized himself with the highest individual score in ISPL history-74 off 26 balls-while Saif Ali secured second and third spots on that list with 61 off 30 balls and 58 off 33 balls. These exploits epitomized the Tiigers' bold, high-octane batting philosophy.

The bowling attack complemented the batsmen with pace, accuracy, and clutch performances. Seventeen-year-old Ankit Yadav shone brightly, securing 16 wickets to place in the top five wicket-takers. Vivek Shelar delivered under pressure, registering the tournament's fastest ball at 145.2 kmph and ranking third in best bowling strike rate (4.67); his pivotal hat-trick in the Qualifier 2 50:50 over against Ahmedabad proved decisive in reaching the final. Arish Khan provided steady control, finishing second in economy rate at 3.50 runs per over with an average of 5.60.

Tiigers of Kolkata - Owner and Captain's Words

Aksha Kamboj, Executive Chairperson of Aspect Global Ventures and Owner of Tiigers of Kolkata, celebrated the team's evolution, stating, "I am immensely proud of this team and the journey we've taken this season. After a difficult year, the way the players, support staff and leadership group responded speaks volumes about their belief and character. From the youngest players to our senior pros, everyone stepped up for each other, and that unity showed in the fight and consistency we displayed throughout the tournament. The records and performances we achieved reinforce that we are building a franchise rooted in legacy and driven by purpose. Finishing runners-up is an important step forward, and it gives us a strong foundation to build on for the seasons ahead."

Captain Bhavesh Pawar commended the team's cohesion and management backing, noting, "This season has been about unity and clarity. Every player understood their role and stepped up when the team needed it most. I'd like to thank Aksha ma'am and the entire management for backing us throughout - that trust allowed us to play with freedom and confidence. While the final didn't go our way, the way this team fought and grew together is something we're proud of."