Latest news with #IndorePinkPanthers
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Indore Pink Panthers has firepower to lift the trophy, says skipper Iyer
Indore: With the Madhya Pradesh League 2025 commencing in just two days, , who takes over leadership duties this season for Indore Pink Panthers, believes that while the team has the firepower to lift the trophy. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "We have the ingredients to be champions. But temperament, not just talent, decides the outcome. If we handle pressure well, we'll be right in the race. Our aim is clear—we're playing to lift the trophy," said Venkatesh Iyer, as he prepares to lead Indore Pink Panthers. With a refreshed squad and a focused strategy, the team is looking to make a strong impact in the tournament, scheduled to be held in Gwalior from June 12 to 24. Iyer, India all-rounder and KKR vice-captain in IPL 2025, takes over as captain from Rajat Patidar in what marks a new chapter for the team. "The basic plan is always to win," Iyer told TOI. "But I've played enough cricket to understand that in a tournament like this, success comes from taking one game at a time. My first priority is to ensure every player aligns their personal goals with the team's larger mission." Calling it a "special honour" to lead his hometown team, Iyer said, "For any cricketer, it's a dream to play in front of packed stadiums. MPL has become a platform that allows young cricketers from across the state to live that dream. " This season brings a near-complete overhaul of the Panthers' line-up, with only three players retained from the previous edition. IPL pacer Kulwant Khejroliya (Gujarat Titans) has joined the squad, adding firepower to the bowling unit. The franchise has also introduced emerging talents like all-rounder Siddhant Agarwal and wicketkeeper-batter Mehfooz Patel, both nurtured through the team's Player Development Program in collaboration with MPL. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Talking about Madhya Pradesh's cricketing rise, Iyer credited the growing seriousness around domestic cricket. "Today, teams take us seriously. The mindset in Ranji and Mushtaq Ali tournaments is to win. A lot of that shift is thanks to Chandrakant Pandit sir's leadership and discipline. MP cricket is no longer underestimated."
Time of India
27-04-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
MP League player draft introduces women's teams, squads announced
Indore: The eagerly awaited player draft for the Madhya Pradesh League (MPL) took place on Sunday evening in Indore, with franchises selecting their players for the upcoming season. This event marked a historic milestone as the MPL expanded to include three women's teams, alongside its regular men's teams, for the first time. Venkatesh Iyer, the vice-captain of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and a star from Indore, was chosen as the icon player for Indore Pink Panthers . Gwalior Cheetahs made a strong selection by picking Rajat Patidar , RCB captain in IPL, as their icon player. These selections were among the highlights of the draft, with both men's and women's teams offering a competitive roster for the upcoming season. While addressing the franchises and players at the player draft, Mahanaaryaman Scindia, MPL chairman, said, "When we started the men's league last year, many women cricketers approached us about participation. I'm thrilled to introduce these three women's teams—Bhopal Wolves, Bundelkhand Bulls, and Chambal Ghariyals. We aim to make a significant impact on women's cricket, and this is an opportunity to produce the next global stars from Madhya Pradesh." Key selections from the draft include several high-profile men's players, such as Venkatesh Iyer (Indore Pink Panthers), Rajat Patidar (Gwalior Cheetahs), Arshad Khan (Bhopal Leopards), Harpreet Singh Bhatia (Chambal Ghariyals), Saransh Jain (Jabalpur Royal Lions), Avesh Khan (Bundelkhand Bulls), and Kumar Kartikeya (Rewa Jaguars). In the women's teams, Icon Players like Aayushi Sharma, Anushka Sharma, and Soumya Tiwari are among the top picks.
