New Delhi, 15thFebruary, 2016: 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 today, 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.”
RISING PUNE SUPERGIANTS logo and jersey rationale
The elements used in the jersey connote the dynamism and ‘ever-rising’ spirit of the team RISING PUNE SUPERGIANTS. The colours used are vibrant and complement each other in bringing out the winning attitude of the team. Of the colours on the jersey, purple in particular makes a statement of superiority and brings out the energy of this team of stars. The orange colour signifies the team’s firm determination and enthusiasm to break every barrier, thus winning every game. The bold look of the jersey reflects the confidence and ability of this team of star players who have their sights set firmly on success.
The word ‘Rising’ at a deeper level traces back to the free spirit of ‘Pune’ that never bowed down before any odds. Moreover it also depicts the heights of excellence and success the new team will achieve being studded with ‘Super’ players like Dhoni, Ashwin, and Smith. Every player in the team is a star who shines bright in every battle, giving their best under pressure. In that sense they are also ‘Giants’ with extraordinary stature, performing astonishing feats.
The logo has a regal feel and its visual elements are an amalgamation of cricketing equipment like the bat, the ball and the bails. The wings impart an overall impression of ‘soaring high’ while the bold font provides a sense of solidity. The purple colour of the ball signifies the energy and stability of the team.
‘RISING PUNE SUPERGIANTS’ is not just another team; it’s a manifestation of courage – courage that gives the power to defyevery limit. It’s a symbol of self-belief – belief that makes the impossible, possible. It is a team that never loses hope and is committed to come up with its best even in the worst of situations. A team that stands tall in the face of gigantic challenges. A team that breathes to win.
RISING PUNE SUPERGIANTS will be having ex-New Zealand Skipper Stephen Fleming as the Coach of the side. The team will also have a professional CEO in Raghu Iyer, who is a Sports, Media and Entertainment professional with 21 years of invaluable experience. Prior to joining the RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group, he was with Rajasthan Royals since its inception.
Hrishikesh Kanitkar as the Assistant Coach of RISING PUNE SUPERGIANTS
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. Hrishikesh Kanitkar’s name will forever be etched in the memory of Indian Cricket fans due to his heroics with the winning boundary off Saqlain Mushtaq (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 two Ranji Trophy titles. A record set after 76 years of the state participation in the Ranji Trophy when 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.
Coaching Qualifications –
– English Cricket Board- He is an ECB certified Level II coach
– He is also Level A certified National Cricket Academy/ BCCI coach
– Completed the Level A Refresher Course conducted by the National Cricket Academy
Tags: Hrishikesh Kanitkar, Indian Premier League, IPL, IPL 2016, IPL 9, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Rising Pune Supergiants, Stephen Fleming