Mumbai, Dec 10 (UNI) Chennai Singams walked into the ISPL Season 3 auction with a clear game plan and emerged with one of their most balanced squads yet. The franchise, co-owned by Sandip Gupta, Rajdip Gupta and Tollywood actor Suriya Sivakumar focused on reinforcing its spine while ensuring depth across departments.
The headline moment came with the return of Ketan Mhatre, signed for ₹26.40 lakhs; the third-highest purchase of the auction – marking a meaningful reunion after he was not retained earlier this year. Having been part of the Singams setup for the past three seasons, his comeback added both familiarity and firepower to the team’s top order. The decision to retain prolific batter Jagannath Sarkar for ₹20.02 lakhs ensured continuity and stability at the top.
Sarfaraz Khan (Rs 12 lakhs), Mohammed Nadeem (Rs 5.50 lakhs), Aman Yadav (₹3.80 lakhs), Nagesh Wadekar (Rs 3 lakhs), Sambhaji Patil (Rs 3 lakhs), Moyoddin Shaikh (Rs 3 lakhs), Kisan Satpute (Rs 3 lakhs), and Ganesh Shillikyatar (Rs 3 lakhs) provided Chennai with a combination of dependability and skill in the middle order. Together, they play a range of roles that are crucial for T10’s quick demands.
Chennai also strengthened its bowling unit with the addition of Anurag Sarshar (Rs 19.20 lakhs), complemented by Ashish Pal (Rs 5.25 lakhs) and Sunil Kumar (Rs 3 lakhs). Their collective experience and adaptability provide the team with strong defensive and attacking options.
To maintain balance across the XI, the Singams added three impactful all-rounders: Ankur Singh (Rs 11 lakhs), Rajesh Sorte (Rs 10 lakhs) and Dheeraj Singh (Rs 3.60 lakhs). Their versatility offers tactical flexibility through the middle overs.
Staying committed to developing young talent, the franchise invested in two promising U-19 bowlers – Aryan Kharkar (Rs 4 lakhs) and Ankit Yadav (Rs 3 lakhs); both recognised for their potential and raw pace.
Speaking about the franchise’s approach at the auction, Mr. Rajdip Gupta, co-owner of Chennai Singams, said: “This season is much bigger than the last. As we step into ISPL Season 3, our focus stays the same; to identify, mentor, and elevate the best tennis-ball cricket talent in the country. Bringing Ketan back, strengthening our spine, and adding exciting young players gives us a squad with real character. Every player brings something unique, and we are confident in what this group can achieve. Chennai has always played with heart, energy and resilience, and this team reflects exactly that.”
With a squad that blends experience, youthful promise, and the trademark Singams fighting spirit, Chennai enters ISPL Season 3 with renewed confidence and a clear pursuit of championship glory.
