Street cricket goes prime time as Season 3 crowns a new champion
Chennai Singams have won their first-ever Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) title, beating Tiigers of Kolkata by 29 runs in the Season 3 final at Surat’s Lalbhai Contractor Stadium on February 6, 2026. In a tournament built around tennis-ball cricket, bright lights and packed stands, the final delivered exactly what ISPL promised: big hits, bold shots and a result that kept fans hooked till the end.
How the final played out
Batting first, Chennai Singams posted a competitive total built on aggressive strokeplay and clever use of the dimensions typical of street-style cricket. Their top order attacked early, using ramps, scoops and flat-batted strokes over the infield to keep the scoreboard moving.
Crucial cameos in the middle overs ensured the run rate never dipped too far, and a late flourish in the final two overs pushed the total beyond what Tiigers of Kolkata had comfortably chased in previous games.
In reply, Tiigers of Kolkata—who had stormed into the final on the back of strong bowling performances, including a hat-trick from Vivek Shelar in Qualifier 2—found themselves under pressure. Early wickets and disciplined bowling from Chennai meant the required rate kept climbing. Even as Kolkata’s batters tried to counter-attack, dot balls and well-set fields turned the chase into a steep climb.
All-round performance wins it for Chennai
Rather than one standout hero, Chennai’s win came from a string of contributions:
- Openers gave a quick start, making full use of the powerplay.
- Middle-order batters rotated the strike and targeted the shorter boundaries smartly.
- Bowlers mixed pace, angles and lengths to deny Tiigers any long partnerships.
- Fielders backed it up with sharp catching and saves on the rope.
By the time the last over began, the result was all but sealed, and Chennai Singams closed out a comfortable 29-run victory to lift the trophy.
What ISPL’s rise says about Indian cricket
ISPL’s success reflects something every Indian cricket fan already knows: street and tennis-ball cricket are where many players first learn the game. By bringing that format into a franchise league—with celebrities, professional setups and national TV coverage—the tournament gives both players and fans a familiar, fast-paced version of cricket in a more organised package.
For aspiring cricketers who grew up playing on terraces, in gullies and under floodlights on local grounds, ISPL offers a new type of stage. Performances here can open doors to state teams, franchise trials and other opportunities that were once harder to access from purely informal cricket.
What’s next
With Season 3 now complete and Chennai Singams crowned champions, attention will quickly turn to team retentions, trades and talent scouting for the next edition. If the packed stands in Surat and the online buzz around this final are any indication, ISPL has carved out a permanent spot in India’s cricket calendar.
For now, though, the spotlight rightly belongs to the Singams. In a league built on flair and risk-taking, they found the right blend of aggression and control to finish as deserved champions.
References
- Match reports and coverage of the ISPL Season 3 final from major sports outlets
- Tournament statistics and award lists from the ISPL 2026 season
- Background reports on the growth of Indian Street Premier League and its format
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