Puneri Bappa storms into the Maharashtra Premier League (MPL), showcasing a squad brimming with potential and promise. The Pune team has a deep history with cricket, as the city is now known for representing many Western Indian Cricket stars.
It was one of the six franchises pencilled in to take part in season 1 of the Maharashtra Premier League. Pravin Masalewale, who owns the franchisee, is one of Pune’s leading business giants.
The name ‘Puneri Bappa’ strikes a chord with Punekars, evoking deep nostalgia and a sense of home. It’s all in the name, and it captures what Pune is about—a city where cricket isn’t just played, it’s lived.
Overview of Maharashtra Premier League
The Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) set up the Maharashtra Premier League (MPL) in 2023 with the idea of promoting the local talent of Maharashtra, where several top-grain contests usually take place.
In no time, the MPL has started delivering cricketing excellence with massive turnouts and phenomenal talent displays from across Maharashtra.
The MPL plans to inject the excitement of Twenty20 cricket with a plan for seasoned players who have otherwise retired from first-class competition. This stage acts as an opportunity for young players to improve and showcase their talent.
The MPL is supported by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and, therefore, turned out to be a well-managed league.
Puneri Bappa’s Journey in MPL
Puneri Bappa had assembled a strong squad for the 2024 edition of the MPL. Ruturaj Gaikwad, the captain of CSK in the IPL, is leading the team and making a significant impact alongside other key players like Pavan Shah and Sachin Bhosale. They finished last this season in 2024.
Last season, the team made it to the playoffs, finishing fourth in the points table. They won two out of their five matches, a performance that hinted at their immense potential. In a thrilling eliminator, Puneri Bappa triumphed over Eagle Nashik Titans, only to face heartbreak against Kolhapur Tuskers in a nail-biting second qualifier.
A Glimpse into Puneri Bappa’s Journey
It has experienced both highs and lows over the past two seasons.
Star Players of Puneri Bappa
In the last season, Ruturaj Gaikwad (C) from the team scored 168 runs in just four matches, proving his batting firepower. In 2023, Pawan Shah led the team with 185 runs across seven games, consistently delivering crucial knocks that showcased his batting prowess.
Gaikwad, Shah, and Bhosale — the Puneri Bappa Trio — have not only demonstrated their talent but also their determination and vital roles in the team. These players put their combined experience and skills to good use in the Maharashtra Premier League.
However, Sachin Bhosale was a standout performer with the ball in the first season. He was the leading wicket-taker for the team, with 14 scalps from seven matches, boasting an incredible average of 12.57. Courtesy of Bhosale, the team qualified for the playoffs in 2023 with a must-win match, showcasing his importance.
What Makes Puneri Bappa the Team to Watch this MPL Season?
The team is well-balanced and has both experienced players and young talents. Their batting lineup is strong, with players like Ruturaj Gaikwad and Pavan Shah providing stability at the top. The bowling unit, led by Sachin Bhosale, is equally formidable.
The team’s strategic approach focuses on playing smart cricket, adapting to different situations, and capitalizing on their strengths. With a passionate fanbase behind them, Puneri Bappa has the potential to go all the way in MPL 2024.
The Importance of MPL for Pune’s Cricket Future
MPL is a platform where cricketers from Maharashtra have a golden opportunity to shine and secure big-ticket opportunities. It is a platform to showcase the talents of young cricketers.
The MPL also helps identify and nurture new talent. Many players from the team have the potential to play at higher levels, and the league provides them with the exposure they need to take their game to the next level.
Overview of All Six Teams in the Maharashtra Premier League
MPL has six competitive sides from six cities in Maharashtra. Here’s a closer look at the team, their owners and key players:
| Team | Owner | Key Players |
| Puneri Bappa | Pravin Masalewale | Ruturaj Gaikwad, Pavan Shah, Abhimanyu Jadhav, Yash Kshirsagar, Shripad Nimbalkar, Suraj Shinde, Sachin Bhosale, Piyush Salvi |
| Ratnagiri Jets | Jets Synthesis Pvt Ltd | Vijay Pawale, Satyajeet Bachhav, Divyang Hinganekar, Nikhil Naik, Pradeep Dadhe, Krish Shahapurkar, Akhilesh Gawale, Abhishek Pawar |
| Kolhapur Tuskers | Punit Balan Group | Shrikant Mundhe, Ankit Bawne, Yash Khaladkar, Manoj Yadav, Harshal Mishra, Taranjit Dhillon, Akshay Darekar, Aniket Porwal |
| Eagle Nashik Titans | Eagle Infra India Ltd. | Ashay Palkar, Digvijay Deshmukh, Prashant Solanki, Arshin Kulkarni, Kaushal Tambe, Ranjit Nikam, Hardik Kurangale, Sahil Parikh |
| Solapur Royals | Kapil Sons Explosive LLP | Naushad Shaikh, Siddhesh Veer, Manoj Ingale, Tanay Sanghvi, Bhushan Gule, Vedant Patil, Sunil Yadav, Nikhil Kadam |
| Chhatrapati Sambhaji Kings | Venkateshwara Industries | Saurabh Navale, Digvijay Jadhav, Shubham Kothari, Swaraj Chavan, Pranay Singh, Shamsujama Kazi, Harshal Kate, Om Bhosale |
Each team brings a unique blend of talent and enthusiasm to the Maharashtra Premier League. With passionate owners backing their squads, the competition promises exciting matches and the discovery of new cricketing stars from Maharashtra.
Conclusion
Puneri Bappa is more than just a cricket team; it’s the heartbeat of Pune’s undying love for the game, a symbol of the city’s unwavering spirit and passion.
As they gear up for another thrilling season, this team embodies the spirit of resilience and passion that every Punekar holds dear. With every boundary, wicket, and victory, Puneri Bappa brings the pride of Pune to life.
