The cricketing landscape of India is set for another electrifying chapter as the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL), the nation's pioneering tennis-ball T10 tournament, gears up for its third season. The action will unfold in the vibrant city of Surat at the Lalbhai Contractor Stadium from January 9 to February 6, 2026. This fast-paced league, renowned for its high-octane entertainment, promises to deliver elite talent, monstrous sixes, and finishes that will keep fans on the edge of their seats.
Franchises and Format: A Clash of Titans
Eight dynamic franchises will battle for supremacy in ISPL Season 3. The competing teams are Majhi Mumbai, Chennai Singams, Tiigers of Kolkata, Falcon Risers Hyderabad, Bengaluru Strikers, Srinagar Ke Veer, Ahmedabad Lions, and Delhi Superheroes. With a perfect blend of seasoned match-winners and exciting new prospects, the tournament is a showcase of raw power and strategic brilliance. As the countdown to the opener begins, the spotlight naturally falls on the batsmen who can single-handedly change the course of a game.
Top 5 Batters to Watch in ISPL 2026
Here are the five premier batsmen expected to set ISPL Season 3 alight with their explosive stroke play and cool-headed temperament under pressure.
Vijay Pawle – Majhi Mumbai: The captain who led Majhi Mumbai to the ISPL Season 2 championship, Pawle is the epitome of a clutch performer. His value was underscored when he was retained by his franchise for the highest-ever bid of Rs 32.50 lakh using the Right to Match card. Dubbed the “Speed Master” of Indian tennis-ball cricket, his explosive batting, sharp game awareness, and athletic fielding make him the cornerstone of Mumbai's title defense.
Ketan Mhatre – Chennai Singams: Retained for a massive Rs 26.40 lakh, Mhatre is one of the most feared openers in the league. Hailing from Waklan village in Thane, he is known for his fearless aggression and power-hitting from the first ball. With 384 runs at a strike rate of 180.75 across the first two seasons, he will be crucial in giving Chennai Singams fiery starts.
Saif Ali – Tiigers of Kolkata: Formerly known as Sagar Ali, this left-hander from West Bengal has carved a niche as a consistent and dependable run-machine. Picked up for Rs 23.65 lakh, Saif made history in Season 2 by scoring the first back-to-back fifties in ISPL. With 595 runs and four half-centuries in 19 matches, his composure is a key asset for Kolkata.
Fardeen Kazi – Bengaluru Strikers: Kazi announced himself as a premier finisher with a legendary last-ball chase in Season 2, hitting a six to win a match needing 22 runs off the final over. Commanding a price of Rs 22.30 lakh in Season 3, his move to Bengaluru Strikers makes him their designated player for high-pressure, death-over situations.
Jagannath Sarkar – Chennai Singams: The opener from West Bengal was retained for Rs 20.02 lakh after a breakthrough Season 2 where he scored 226 runs, finishing as the fourth-highest run-scorer. His blend of aggression and control, evidenced by a strike rate of 162.59 and 16 sixes last season, makes him a reliable and entertaining asset at the top of the order.
Anticipation Builds for a Spectacular Season
With the dates locked in and the star-studded squads taking shape, ISPL Season 3 in Surat is poised to be a landmark event for tennis-ball cricket in India. The combination of a fast T10 format, the unique energy of street cricket, and the glitz of franchise competition ensures a spectacle that celebrates the sport at its most grassroots and glamorous level. Fans can expect a month-long carnival of cricket where new heroes will be born and legends of the format will further cement their status.
