Rahul Tripathi is Kolhapur Tuskers skipper, announces team owner Punit Balan

Decision in the backdrop of Kedar Jadhav’s retirement

Pune : Cricketer Rahul Tripathi has been named the skipper of the ‘Kolhapur Tuskers’ team in the Maharashtra Premier League (MPL). Team owner Punit Balan has entrusted Tripathi with the responsibility after ace cricketer and ‘Kolhapur Tuskers’ skipper Kedar Jadhav shocked all fans by suddenly announcing his retirement from all forms of cricket.

The Second Season of the MPL started on Monday (June 2). The opening match was played between Kolhapur Tuskers and Ratnagiri Giants. However, Kedar Jadhav suddenly retired from all forms of cricket on Tuesday (June 3), which prompted Punit Balan to appoint Rahul Tripathi as the team captain. Kedar led the team in the First Season last year. Cricket fans are curious to watch how Captain Rahul Tripathi and Vice-Captain Shrikant Munde would lead their team in the tournament.

Though Kedar Jadhav has retired as a cricketer, he recently started working as a cricket commentator in Marathi. It remains to be seen whether he retains his symbiotic relationship with cricket in the form of a commentator.

“I am shocked to learn that an experienced player like Kedar Jadhav retired. It is the very second day in the tournament for me under his leadership. Our team benefited from his experience as an international cricketer. Now, team owner Punit Balan Sir has asked me to lead the team. I will try to live up to his expectations by taking along all the members of the team.”

• Rahul Tripathi, Skipper, Kolhapur Tuskers

“It is a tough and different day for Kolhapur Tuskers. Kedar Jadhav’s retirement is shocking for all of us. He is not only a good player but a good friend. Though he has announced his retirement from cricket today, I am confident that he will retain his relationship with the sport in the future also. My good wishes to him for his future endeavours.”

• Punit Balan (Young Entrepreneur and Team Owner, Kolhapur Tuskers)