The Chennai Singams have clinched the inaugural Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) title, marking a significant milestone for the team co-owned by Tamil actor Suriya. In a thrilling final held on February 6, the Singams defeated the Kolkata Tigers by a margin of 29 runs, showcasing their dominance throughout the match that took place in Surat.
From the outset, the Chennai Singams took control of the game, with their players demonstrating skill and strategy. The match was graced by the presence of cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, who watched the action unfold alongside Suriya. This year’s ISPL, played with tennis balls in a T10 format, has garnered immense popularity across the nation, marking its third edition and highlighting emerging talents in the cricketing arena.
Several standout performances were noted during the tournament. Bowler Vivek Shelar made headlines by achieving two hat-tricks, while Ankit Yadav from Kolkata took home 16 wickets. Prashant Gharat from Hyderabad amassed an impressive 203 runs, and Nizam Ali from Ahmedabad secured 20 wickets, proving to be pivotal players for their respective teams.
The awards ceremony recognized exceptional contributions from various players. Jagannath Sarkar from the Chennai Singams was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP), receiving a luxurious Porsche 911 as a prize. Saif Ali from Kolkata Tigers earned the title of Best Batter, while Praveen Kumar from Hyderabad Falcon Risers was honored as the Best Bowler. Additionally, Prathamesh Thakare from Ahmedabad Lions received recognition for the Best Catch.
In the final match, Chennai won the toss and opted to bat first, setting a target of 104 runs by scoring 103 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in their 10 overs. Openers Ketan Mhatray and Jagannath Sarkar made a strong start, with Ketan showcasing aggressive batting by scoring 28 runs in just the second over. Although Kolkata’s Saroj Pramanik managed to take two crucial wickets, Sarfaraz Khan maintained the momentum for Chennai. The late innings witnessed explosive performances from Ganesh and Sambhaji, helping Chennai to post a formidable total.
Chasing the target, Kolkata struggled right from the beginning. Rajat Mundhe and Saroj Pramanik faced early challenges, and the loss of key wickets hampered their efforts. Jagannath Sarkar’s pivotal wicket further put Kolkata on the back foot. Despite a brief resistance from Arish Khan, who scored 25 runs, Kolkata’s innings concluded at a disappointing 74 runs for 9 wickets. Anurag Sarsher was instrumental in Chennai’s victory, taking three wickets, while Sunil Kumar and Ankur Singh also contributed with two wickets each.
This historic win for the Chennai Singams not only celebrates their talent but also emphasizes the growing popularity of street cricket leagues in India, reflecting a blend of entertainment and sportsmanship that resonates with fans across the country.
