ISPL Season 3: Top batters to watch out for – Vijay Pawle to Jagannath Sarkar | Cricket News – The Times of India

The Indian Street Premier League (ISPL), India’s trailblazing tennis-ball T10 cricket tournament, is set to illuminate Surat for Season 3 from January 9 to February 6, 2026, at the Lalbhai Contractor Stadium.Known as one of the nation’s most exciting tennis-ball leagues, ISPL continues to elevate the game with elite talent, electrifying batting displays, and nail-biting finishes.

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Eight high-octane franchises will clash for supremacy when the season begins: Majhi Mumbai, Chennai Singams, Tiigers of Kolkata, Falcon Risers Hyderabad, Bengaluru Strikers, Srinagar Ke Veer, Ahmedabad Lions, and Delhi Superheroes.With a stellar mix of proven match-winners and emerging stars, spectators can expect towering sixes, high-pressure chases, and memorable individual performances. As anticipation builds for the season opener, here are the top five batters to watch in ISPL Season 3 — players capable of turning games on their head and defining the tournament with the bat.Vijay Pawle – Majhi Mumbai

Vijay Pawle captained Majhi Mumbai to the ISPL Season 2 championship, displaying leadership, skill, and composure under pressure.

Vijay Pawle has built a reputation as a clutch performer, and his ISPL exploits have made him one of the league’s most valuable players. The West Zone star returned to Majhi Mumbai for Season 3 with the highest-ever ISPL bid, Rs 32.50 lakh, via the Right to Match (RTM) card.Known as the “Speed Master” of Indian tennis-ball cricket, Pawle combines explosive batting with sharp game awareness. His all-round value adds depth to his game, and he captained Majhi Mumbai to the Season 2 title. A previous Best Fielder Award in Season 1 underscores his athleticism. As Majhi Mumbai aim to defend their crown, Pawle’s influence with the bat will again be pivotal.Ketan Mhatre – Chennai Singams

File photo of Ketan Mhatre. (ISPL)

Among the most destructive opening batters in ISPL tennis-ball cricket, Ketan Mhatre remains a name that commands attention. From Waklan village in Thane district, Mhatre was retained by Chennai Singams for Rs 26.40 lakh via RTM, the second-highest bid of Season 3. A fearless top-order attacker, he has built a reputation for aggressive stroke play and explosive power-hitting. Across 16 matches in Seasons 1 and 2, he totaled 384 runs at a striking rate of 180.75. As Chennai Singams prepare for another campaign, all eyes will be on Mhatre to provide explosive starts from ball one.Saif Ali – Tigers of Kolkata

Saif Ali won the Player of the Tournament in the second season of the ISPL. (Instagram)

Earlier known as Sagar Ali, Saif Ali has emerged as one of the most consistent and dependable batters in the ISPL. A left-hander from Kashiara village in West Bengal, Saif was picked up by Tiigers of Kolkata for Rs 23.65 lakh, making him one of the season’s top bids. In Season 2, he became the first ISPL player to score back-to-back fifties, highlighting his composure under pressure. Across 19 matches over two ISPL seasons, Saif has 595 runs with four half-centuries, cementing his status as a reliable run-scorer. He has also represented West Bengal at the youth level.Fardeen Kazi – Bengaluru Strikers

File photo of the Fardeen Kazi. (ISPL)

Fardeen Kazi’s defining moment came in Season 2 with a dramatic last-ball chase against Chennai Singams, a performance that announced him as a premier finisher. Needing 22 runs off the final over, Kazi led a calculated assault, culminating in a match-winning six off the last ball, one of ISPL’s most memorable victories. Among the top-priced batsmen in Season 2, Kazi continued to command premium value in Season 3, joining Bengaluru Strikers for Rs 22.30 lakh. Now with Bengaluru, Kazi is expected to be a go-to player in high-pressure moments.Jagannath Sarkar – Chennai Singams

File image of Jagannath Sarkar. (ISPL)

Jagannath Sarkar has quietly become one of the ISPL’s most reliable and entertaining openers. Retained by Chennai Singams for Rs 20.02 lakh, the Tarakeswar-born batsman from West Bengal enters Season 3 with stronger form. In Season 2 (2025), he enjoyed a breakthrough campaign, scoring 226 runs in 10 matches to finish as the fourth-highest run-scorer. He combines aggression with control, posting a strike rate of 162.59 and hitting 16 sixes in Season 2. His performance peaked in a high-stakes clash against Majhi Mumbai, where he scored an unbeaten 50 to steer Chennai Singams to a crucial win.