Kolhapur Tuskers vs Ratnagiri Jets – Match Preview (2025-06-07 09:30 GMT)

Tournament: Maharashtra Premier League (MPL) 2025
Match: 5th T20
Date: Saturday, 7th June 2025
Time: 09:30 GMT (14:30 IST)
Venue: MCA International Stadium, Pune, India
Live Streaming: FanCode App & Website

Match Overview

The Maharashtra Premier League (MPL) 2025 continues with an intriguing clash between Kolhapur Tuskers and Ratnagiri Jets on June 7, 2025. This T20 encounter at the MCA Stadium in Pune promises to be a high-scoring affair given the nature of the venue, and both teams will look to start their campaign on a strong note.

The MCA Stadium has historically been a batting-friendly track, with an average first-innings score of over 160. The weather forecast is favorable, with clear skies, moderate humidity, and a temperature between 31°C to 34°C. Spinners may get some assistance later in the innings, but the overall conditions are expected to favor the batting side.

Team Previews

Kolhapur Tuskers – The Strong Favorites

Kolhapur Tuskers are coming into this match with high expectations. Having reached Qualifier 2 in the previous edition, they possess a well-balanced squad with both depth and firepower.

Batsmen to Watch:

• Ankeet Bawane, the team’s captain, is a proven performer who amassed 415 runs in the last season. His leadership and form will be crucial.
• Rahul Tripathi, an international-caliber batter, adds class and consistency to the top order.
• Sumit Markali and Shreyas Chavan provide aggressive strokeplay and power in the middle.

Bowling Lineup:

• The bowling attack is spearheaded by Shreyas Chavan, who claimed 20 wickets in the previous season.
• Rajneesh Gurbani and Shrikant Mundhe offer experience and variations.
• The spin options, including Nihal Tusamad and Dhanraj Shinde, are likely to play a pivotal role in the latter part of the innings.

With a balanced squad and a strong batting department, the Tuskers are well-equipped to handle the conditions at Pune.

Ratnagiri Jets – The Underdogs with Potential

Ratnagiri Jets have shown glimpses of brilliance despite an early loss. Their batting lineup includes explosive performers like Dhiraj Phatangare and Nikhil Naik, who both showcased their potential in the opening game.

However, the Jets lack consistency in the middle order and have struggled to maintain pressure in the death overs. Their bowling unit is also inconsistent, with only Azim Kazi standing out as a reliable all-rounder.

Batsmen to Watch:

• Dhiraj Phatangare (81 runs in the first match)
• Nikhil Naik (31 runs in a rain-reduced game)

Bowling Lineup:

• Azim Kazi is the X-factor, offering both spin and an attacking edge.
• Krushna Martand and Pradeep Dadhe could be crucial in the death overs.

While the Jets have the potential to cause an upset, they will need to overcome their inconsistency and deliver a near-perfect performance.

Probable Playing XIs

Kolhapur Tuskers

1. Rahul Tripathi
2. Ankeet Bawane (C)
3. Sumit Markali
4. Shreyas Chavan
5. Shrikant Mundhe
6. Rajneesh Gurbani
7. Deepak Dangi
8. Nihal Tusamad
9. Dhanraj Shinde
10. Hardik Kurangale
11. Shubham Mane

Ratnagiri Jets

1. Nikhil Naik
2. Dhiraj Phatangare
3. Jay Pande
4. Azim Kazi (VC)
5. Abhishek Pawar
6. Kunal Thorat
7. Krushna Martand
8. Pradeep Dadhe
9. Yogesh Chavan
10. Harshil Sawant
11. Atish Rathod

Fantasy Cricket Tips

Captain Pick: Ankeet Bawane – His leadership, form, and experience make him a top choice.
Vice-Captain Pick: Azim Kazi – His all-round ability gives him dual value.

Key Players to Consider:

• Rahul Tripathi (Batter)
• Dhiraj Phatangare (Batter)
• Shrikant Mundhe (All-rounder)
• Shreyas Chavan (Bowler)
• Pradeep Dadhe (Bowler)

Players to Avoid:

• Yogesh Chavan (Limited impact in recent games)
• Krish Shahapurkar (Low contribution in the last match)

Toss & Strategy Prediction

Toss Prediction: Ratnagiri Jets
Decision: Bowl First
Reason: With the weather in favor and the pitch conducive to batting, the toss winner is expected to opt to bowl first and defend a total.

Score Prediction

• If Kolhapur Tuskers Bat First: 154+
• If Ratnagiri Jets Bat First: 141+

Match Prediction

Winner: Kolhapur Tuskers
Why? The Tuskers have a more cohesive and experienced squad with a strong top order and a potent bowling line-up. Their batting depth and spin threat make them the favorites to win this match. Ratnagiri Jets will need a near-perfect performance to pull off an upset, but the Tuskers' balanced unit gives them the edge in this matchup.

Final Verdict:
Kolhapur Tuskers vs Ratnagiri Jets is set to be a high-scoring T20 encounter at a favorable venue. With a strong batting unit and a reliable bowling attack, Kolhapur Tuskers are the favorites to win and start their campaign on a positive note.
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