For their first T20 Mumbai League season, the MSC Maratha Royals put together a formidable 18-man roster in a high-stakes auction that saw eight franchises spend a total of INR 7.79 crores. With seven batsmen, six all-rounders, and five specialist bowlers, the lineup offers a well-rounded combination of depth and skill. The team’s star player, Tushar Deshpande (INR 20 lakh), adds experience and firepower to the aspirations of the newcomer.
Abhishek Nayar was the creative mastermind behind the Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals’ triumphant first auction at the T20 Mumbai League 2025, despite not being physically there. Nayar used his extensive knowledge of auctions and keen cricket acumen to remotely guide the team’s selections through continuous communication over Zoom and the phone. In his capacity as the team’s mentor, he collaborated closely with the coaches and management to assemble a fearless, well-rounded, and competitive team, laying the groundwork for a successful inaugural campaign.
According to head coach Amit Dani, the team has a significant advantage in having Abhishek Nayar as their mentor. “He has extensive expertise in auction technique, and he supported every choice we made—on Zoom and via calls—all the way up to the final offer. The quantity of homework he completed is what’s really amazing. It seemed as though he was right next to us even though he wasn’t. He is without a doubt the greatest mentor we could have hoped for.
The Royals’ team made a smart decision by purchasing Siddhesh Lad (INR 10.25 lakh), an experienced Mumbai hitter who has played in India’s premier cricket league and has been a member of the Mumbai local system. Lad gives the team much-needed depth.
“We are very happy with how things turned out,” Dani continued while discussing the auction’s outcome. We weren’t sure if we would acquire the players we wanted before the bidding. However, by following our plan, we were able to achieve the necessary balance—a good blend of expertise and raw enthusiasm. I can’t wait to work closely with this team and start our practice sessions. We are eager for the season to begin as soon as possible.
“Building a squad that combines hunger and experience was our clear goal at the auction,” Nayar stated. “I’m pleased with how we took a calculated approach and stuck to our plan. Now that the actual work on the pitch has begun, I am eager to assist the team in realising its greatest potential.
“This auction was a defining moment for us as team owners,” said Royal Edge Sports & Entertainment, the team’s owners, a consortium made up of Alisha & Kapil Baheti, Mayank & Raj Khandwala, and Ranjit & Tina Bindra. They reinforced this view, praising the coordination between preparation and execution. We entered with a clear goal in mind and emerged with a young, vibrant, and experienced group that embodies our aspirations. We are particularly appreciative of Coach Amit Dani’s leadership and Abhishek Nayar’s strategic contributions in guiding the team’s path. With the correct purchase, we’re now anticipating a thrilling season and are eager to watch the players play as they embody the principles and essence of being a true Maratha Royal.”
The 2025 MSC Maratha Royals squad for the T20 Mumbai League
Tushar Deshpande, an icon
Additional players include Varun Rao, Rohan Ghag, Ajay Singh Janu, Vaibhav Mali, Yash Gadia, Shashwat Jagtap, Irfan Umair, Aditya Dhumal, Sachin Yadav, Parag Khanapurkar, Arman Jaffar, Chinmay Sutar, Maxwell Swaminathan, Khan Awais Naushad, Sahil Jadhav, Naman Jhawar, and Irfan Umair.
The MSC Maratha Royals are getting ready to light up Wankhede Stadium for the third season of the T20 Mumbai League, which runs from May 26 to June 8, now that the auction is over. The team will begin training camps on Friday in preparation for the league’s launch, showcasing high-intensity cricket and a celebration of Mumbai’s rich cricketing heritage.
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