The journey of Tiigers Of Kolkata in ISPL Season 3 will be remembered as one of the most dominant and entertaining campaigns in the league’s young history. After lifting the championship in the inaugural season and enduring a challenging second year, the franchise made a powerful comeback by finishing as runners-up, underlining their return as a genuine title contender built on consistency, depth, and fearless cricket.
Season 3 was not merely about reaching the final again—it was about redefining standards. From record-breaking team totals to landmark individual performances, Tiigers Of Kolkata captured the imagination of fans and neutrals alike, establishing themselves as one of the most exciting and forward-thinking teams in the Indian Street Premier League.
A Statement Season from the Opening Match
Tiigers Of Kolkata made their intentions clear from the very first match of the league stage. Facing Srinagar in their season opener, the Tiigers unleashed an aggressive batting display that stunned the opposition and set the tone for what was to come.
Posting 136 runs, the team registered the highest total of the tournament at that point, immediately setting a new benchmark for ISPL Season 3. It was not just the runs, but the manner in which they were scored—fearless stroke play, relentless intent, and confidence across the batting order—that signaled the Tiigers’ return to dominance.
Rather than easing off after a strong start, Tiigers Of Kolkata continued to raise the bar as the season progressed.
Breaking Records and Raising the Bar
Later in the league stage, the Tiigers faced Srinagar once again—and this time, they went even bigger. In a breathtaking performance, Tiigers Of Kolkata smashed 149 runs, which stood as the highest team total of ISPL Season 3.
That match also produced another historic milestone. The Tiigers secured a 93-run victory, the largest winning margin in league history, showcasing their ability not only to post massive totals but also to dominate matches from start to finish.
Record-Breaking Team Performances
| Match | Opponent | Runs Scored | Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| League Match | Srinagar | 136 | Then-highest team total of Season 3 |
| League Match | Srinagar | 149 | Highest team total of ISPL Season 3 |
| League Match | Srinagar | 93-run win | Biggest win in league history |
| Eliminator | Mumbai | 124 | Dominant knockout performance |
These performances established Tiigers Of Kolkata as a team that did not merely aim to win—but to entertain, dominate, and redefine expectations.
Knockout Brilliance and a Fearless Identity
The momentum built during the league stage carried seamlessly into the knockouts. In the Eliminator against Mumbai, Tiigers Of Kolkata delivered yet another commanding performance, piling up 124 runs under pressure.
The match reflected everything the team stood for during Season 3: fearless batting, clarity of roles, and the confidence to attack even in high-stakes situations. This aggressive yet calculated approach made the Tiigers one of the most watchable teams of the season and a nightmare for opponents.
Leadership Speaks: Pride, Purpose, and Progress
Reflecting on the campaign, Aksha Kamboj, Executive Chairperson of Aspect Global Ventures and Owner of Tiigers Of Kolkata, highlighted the resilience and unity that defined the season.
She emphasized that the journey from a difficult second season to a runners-up finish was a testament to belief, character, and collective growth. From young players to experienced professionals, every member of the squad contributed to the team’s resurgence.
Her message underscored a broader vision—one focused on building a franchise rooted in legacy, driven by purpose, and committed to long-term success rather than short-term gains.
Batting Excellence: A Season Powered by Depth
At the heart of Tiigers Of Kolkata’s success was a formidable batting unit that combined consistency at the top with explosive firepower in the middle order.
Top Run-Scorers for Tiigers Of Kolkata – ISPL Season 3
| Player | Runs Scored | Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Saif Ali | 225 | Best Batter of the Tournament |
| Krushna Gawali | 183 | Top 10 run-getter |
| Saroj Paramanik | 180 | Top 10 run-getter |
| Rajat Mundhe | 158 | Top 10 run-getter |
Saif Ali emerged as the backbone of the batting lineup, finishing the season as the Best Batter of the Tournament with 225 runs. His consistency at the top provided stability and allowed the rest of the batting unit to play with freedom.
Behind him stood a powerful middle order. Krushna Gawali, Saroj Paramanik, and Rajat Mundhe all finished among the top 10 run-scorers of the season, highlighting the depth that powered the Tiigers’ campaign.
Historic Individual Records with the Bat
ISPL Season 3 also witnessed history being written at the individual level—much of it by Tiigers Of Kolkata players.
Highest Individual Scores in ISPL History
| Player | Score | Balls Faced |
|---|---|---|
| Krushna Gawali | 74 | 26 |
| Saif Ali | 61 | 30 |
| Saif Ali | 58 | 33 |
Krushna Gawali etched his name into the record books by registering the highest individual score in ISPL history, a blistering 74 off just 26 balls. The innings perfectly embodied the Tiigers’ attacking philosophy.
Saif Ali also featured prominently in the all-time list, occupying both the second and third positions with scores of 61 off 30 balls and 58 off 33 balls, reinforcing his reputation as one of the league’s most reliable and explosive batters.
Bowling Unit Matches the Batting Firepower
While the batting grabbed headlines, the bowling unit of Tiigers Of Kolkata quietly matched that dominance with discipline, pace, and composure in crucial moments.
Key Bowling Performers – ISPL Season 3
| Bowler | Wickets / Stats | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Ankit Yadav | 16 wickets | Top 5 wicket-taker (Age 17) |
| Vivek Shelar | Strike rate 4.67 | Fastest delivery (145.2 kmph) |
| Arish Khan | Economy 3.50 | Second-best economy rate |
Ankit Yadav, just 17 years old, emerged as one of the breakout stars of the tournament. Finishing among the top five wicket-takers with 16 wickets, he showcased maturity well beyond his years.
Vivek Shelar delivered one of the most memorable seasons by any fast bowler in ISPL history. Clocking the fastest delivery ever recorded in the league at 145.2 kmph, he also finished third on the best bowling strike-rate list.
His defining moment came in Qualifier 2 against Ahmedabad, where he produced a stunning hat-trick in the decisive 50:50 over, turning the match on its head and sealing Tiigers Of Kolkata’s place in the final.
Arish Khan provided balance and control, finishing the season second on the economy-rate charts with an exceptional 3.50 runs per over, complemented by an average of 5.60.
Captain’s Perspective: Unity Above All
Captain Bhavesh Pawar credited the team’s success to unity, clarity of roles, and unwavering support from the management. He highlighted how trust from the ownership allowed players to express themselves freely and play with confidence throughout the season.
While the final did not end with the trophy, Pawar emphasized that the growth, resilience, and fight shown by the squad defined the true success of ISPL Season 3 for Tiigers Of Kolkata.
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A Defining Chapter in Franchise History
ISPL Season 3 stands as a landmark chapter for Tiigers Of Kolkata. From record-breaking totals and historic individual feats to a return to the final, the campaign reaffirmed the franchise’s status as one of the league’s most competitive and ambitious teams.
Finishing runners-up was not an end—it was a statement of resurgence. With a strong core, emerging young talent, and a clear identity built on fearless cricket, Tiigers Of Kolkata have laid a powerful foundation for future seasons.
As the league continues to grow, Season 3 will be remembered as the year the Tiigers roared back—stronger, sharper, and ready to chase greatness once again.
