Sumit Nagal was designated as the marquee player for Season 5 of the TPL

In preparation for the fifth season of the Tennis Premier League (TPL), the eight franchises came out of the auction after assembling competitive rosters with a mix of fascinating talent from across the globe and Indian players, here. Sumit Nagal, who is the current All-India Tennis Association (AITA) No. 1 men’s singles player was brought into the league ahead of Season 5 of the TPL as the marquee player and was the most expensive pick at the auction. Despite stiff competition from other franchises for the signature of India’s star tennis player, he was picked up by Ramku Patgir-owned Gujarat Panthers for Rs 18.5 lakh, thanks to decisive bidding by the Panthers’ celebrity ambassador, Arjun Kapoor. Additionally, the Gujarat Panthers picked up Karman Kaur Thandi for Rs 8.5 lakh, who has three singles ITF titles to her name. The Panthers also added Mukund Sasikumar to their roster as they showed a knack for savvy business by picking up the up-and-coming Indian player.

Defending champions Hyderabad Strikers backed by the graceful Rakul Preet Singh showed a great nous at the auction as they came into the bidding event with a clear plan. The most expensive pick-up for the ENN Sport owned franchise was Ellen Perez at Rs 14 lakh. Perez has won five doubles titles on the WTA Tour, two doubles titles on the WTA Challenger Tour, as well as two singles and 19 doubles titles on the ITF Circuit. The Australian player will bring a wealth of experience and talent to the Hyderabad team, who will be looking for their third consecutive TPL title. They were successfully able to retain the services of Nikki Poonacha, who played a pivotal role in the team’s success last season. The Strikers’ roster was complete when they brought Saketh Myneni, who was conferred with the prestigious Arjuna Award in 2017 and represents India in the Davis Cup. 

The Bengaluru SG Mavericks were swift to complete their roster for Season 5 of the TPL as Indian tennis icon Sania Mirza and owner Rohan Gupta navigated the auction expertly. They secured the services of Arina Rodionova for Rs 17.1 lakh as the Russian-Australian became the most expensive female player at the auction and will give the Bengaluru team an edge, especially in the women’s singles category. Along with Rodionova, the Mavericks picked up Ramkumar Ramanathan for Rs 8.6 lakh. Ramanathan secured the Silver Medal for India at the ongoing Asian Games in Hangzhou in the Men’s Doubles Category, playing alongside Saketh Meyeni. Bengaluru completed their roster with the capture of Vishnu Vardhan, who is a true team player and has showcased the ability to adapt in tough situations which has always allowed him to put on tremendous displays in TPL’s fast-paced and action-packed format.