PBG Kolhapur Tuskers Clinch MPL Playoff Spot on Rajneesh Gurbani’s Stellar Bowling Performance
Skipper Rahul Tripathi’s batting brilliance and charged up bowling from Thenge, Dangi and Gurbani lead the team into the knockouts in a rain-hit campaign
Pune: Powered by a disciplined and dynamic bowling attack, PBG Kolhapur Tuskers have secured their place in the 2025 Maharashtra Premier League playoffs for the third consecutive season, clinching the final spot with 9 hard-fought points. Despite the challenges of rain delays and razor-thin margins, it was Kolhapur’s bowling brilliance that proved decisive, consistently containing opposition attacks, taking crucial wickets, and turning the game in their favor when it mattered most.”
With vital wins against Ratnagiri and Raigad, and key points gained in rain-affected encounters, the Tuskers showed consistency and composure in the league phase which was heavily disrupted due to rain. Every game became a pressure test, and Kolhapur’s bowling attack ensured they stayed in contention till the very end.
Rajneesh Gurbani and local boy Anand Thenge were the team’s spearheads, picking up 8 wickets each, consistently breaking partnerships and keeping opposition run rates in check. Adding variety and control was Deepak Dangi, whose left-arm wrist spin brought balance to the attack bagging 7 wickets with a miserly economy of 6.21, making him one of the most economical bowlers of the season.
Team Owner Punit Balan, Chairman of the Punit Balan Group, shared his pride in the squad’s grit: “We always believed in backing young Indian talent and building a fearless team culture that can last beyond the season. The way the boys have fought through this unpredictable league phase shows the strength of this vision. Reaching the playoffs is just the beginning, we’re here to compete and win and not just participate.”
Captain Rahul Tripathi also led from the front with the bat, scoring 155 runs at a strike rate of 155, anchoring the middle order and stepping up in key phases.
On qualifying for the playoffs, Captain Rahul Tripathi said, “It’s been a challenging but rewarding campaign indeed. We didn’t always have control over the conditions, but we focused on what we could control, our attitude, our discipline, and playing for each other. I’m proud of the way the team stuck together, and now we’re hungry and eager to go all the way.”
Head Coach Akshay Darekar added, “This team has shown character in every sense. Rain, pressure, setbacks, nothing broke their focus. Our bowling unit stepped up, our batters responded when it mattered, and we go into the Eliminator with belief in our process and people.”
Epitomized by the thrilling 2-wicket win over Raigad, which ultimately proved decisive in sealing a spot in the knockouts.
Now set for the Eliminator, Kolhapur Tuskers are just two wins away from the final, and the team will be drawing strength from their journey so far where unity, belief, and execution have brought them to the edge of history.
