“ISPL is a life-changer for players,” says Chennai Singams star batter Ketan Mhatre ..

“ISPL is a life-changer for players,” says Chennai Singams star batter Ketan Mhatre 

Thane boy is ISPL’s second most expensive player

Star opener Ketan Mhatre became the second most expensive player at the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) season 2 auction after Chennai Singams used the Right to Match card to acquire him for INR 17.25 lakh.

“I was hoping to play for Singams again this year and I’m grateful to the team management for the opportunity. We played really well last season, but were unlucky to lose in the semifinals. We have a balanced squad this year and I want us to lift the trophy this time,” the 28-year-old Mhatre said.

Season 2 of the much-awaited T10 tennis ball cricket league will be held at the Dadoji Konddev Stadium in Thane between January 26 and February 15. Singams will begin their campaign with a match against Falcon Risers Hyderabad on January 27.

Mhatre, who lives in Thane, is best remembered for his whirlwind 21-ball 60, including seven consecutive sixes, against Majhi Mumbai in the league stage of ISPL-1.

Chasing 150 for victory at the Dadoji Konddev Stadium, Mhatre lifted Singams from 8-2 with a brutal assault that featured nine sixes in all, bringing up his half century in just 15 deliveries.

However, Mhatre departed in the sixth over with the side still needing 72, and the team fell short by 21 runs.

The youngest of three siblings, Mhatre, who works for Navi Mumbai Mahanagar Palika, has been playing tennis ball cricket professionally for a decade now. 

A star in his own right, Mhatre travels across the country to ply his trade, idolises Rohit Sharma for his “shot making style and approach.” 

Speaking about the league, he said, “We never thought a platform like the ISPL would present itself for tennis ball cricket. It is a life-changer for us players.” 

Chennai Singams Squad

Icon Player: Deepak Dogra | All-Rounder | North Zone

Zone Wise Break–Up

• South Zone: R. Thavith Kumar (All-Rounder), Siyyadri (Batter), V. Vignesh (All-Rounder)

• West Zone: Shubam Sangale (Bowler), Vedant Mayekar (All-Rounder), Ketan Mhatre - RTM (Batter), Sumeet Dhekale - RTM (Batter), Rahul Sawant (All-Rounder), Jignesh Patel (All-Rounder)

• East Zone: Jagat Sarkar (Batter), David Gogoi (Bowler) 

• North Zone: Anurag Sharshar (Bowler), Farhat Ahmad (Bowler) 

• Central Zone: Prashant Gharat (Batter), Mohammed Zeeshan (Bowler)