New Delhi: RISING PUNE SUPERGIANTS, the new entrant in the nine seasons old Indian Premier League, unveiled the team’s official jersey in striking new colours in New Delhi, in the presence of the Team Owner, Sanjiv Goenka, Chairman RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group and Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Captain, RISING PUNE SUPERGIANTS. The team management also announced the appointment of ex-Indian cricketer Hrishikesh Kanitkar as the Assistant Coach of the side.
Speaking on the occasion Mr. Sanjiv Goenka, Chairman, RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group said,“On behalf of the entire family of RISING PUNE SUPERGIANTS, I would like to congratulate the team’s think tank for putting up a formidable side for the upcoming season of IPL. With so many achievers and successful cricketers in our ranks we look forward to a solid performance and some electrifying camaraderie on field. Pune has a very strong fan base and they appreciate good cricket, we are looking forward to a new home and come April, the city of Pune will have their own team to cheer for.”
After winning laurels for India in world cricket arena, ace Indian Cricket Team Skipper, Mr.Mahendra Singh Dhoni spoke about his new role as the Captain of RISING PUNE SUPERGIANTS, “I am looking forward to a new experience with the RISING PUNE SUPERGIANTS. IPL has always been the breeding ground for new exciting talents who have the potential to play vital part in the future for the Indian Cricket Team. This year we have a very balanced side with the right combination of youth and experience which is essential for any team to succeed. We have got some big hitters and players who know to bind the innings together by putting on partnerships. Both batting and bowling unit looks good on paper but consistent performance will be the yardstick for judging the team. I am really looking forward to working with the new team management and hopefully we can make the people of Pune happy with our performance.”
Hrishikesh Hemant Kanitkar (born 14 November 1974, in Pune, Maharashtra) is an Indian cricketer and the son of former Indian cricketer Hemant Kanitkar.
Kanitkar is known as a gutsy left-hand middle-order batsman, an accurate off-spinner and a brilliant versatile fieldsman.
With 8,059 runs in 105 matches, Hrishikesh Kanitkar is in the top five highest run-getters in Ranji Trophy. He played two Tests in 1999/2000 for India and 34 one day Internationals. HrishikeshKanitkar's name will forever be etched in the memory of Indian Cricket fans due to his heroics with the winning boundary off SaqlainMushtaq (when India required 3 runs to win from 2 balls) in fading light in India's memorable victory over Pakistan at Dhaka in January 1998, when the team chased a 300-plus target in the Independence Cup final.
Kanitkar played for Rajasthan Ranji team. Captain, Player, Mentor for the Rajasthan Ranji Trophy Team from 2010 to 2014 season, he captained Rajasthan Team in the Ranji Trophy and led them to their maiden Ranji Trophy triumph after defeating Baroda in the finals. He captained the Rajasthan team to twoRanji Trophy titles. A record set after 76 years of the state participation in the Ranji Trophywhen he took over Rajasthan and a team which was placed last in the entire Ranji Table. Kanitkar has also played for the Maharashtra Ranji Trophy team from 1994 season till 2007 season of which he was captain for six years. He captained the team to Ranji Plate title.
Kanitkar joined Brentwood Cricket Club in Essex for the 2006 season. During that season he scored over 1000 runs with an average of 76.
In July 2015 Kanitkar announced his retirement from cricket.
RISING PUNE SUPERGIANTS will be having ex-New Zealand Skipper Stephen Fleming as the Coach of the side.
