Maratha Royals mantra ahead of semi-final showdown is guided by grit and quest for perfection

Defying expectations and star-studded line-ups, MSC Maratha Royals have stormed into the T20 Mumbai League semi-finals in their debut season. With three wins from five matches, the team’s clinical and gritty all-round performances have proven that resilience, not reputation, wins games. With no icon players in their roster and minimal hype, the Royals have let their game do the talking. The league debutants now face table-toppers Eagle Thane Strikers in a high-stakes semi-final clash at the Wankhede on Tuesday, June 10.

At the heart of the Royals’ campaign is Chinmay Sutar, who has amassed 199 runs, including the tournament’s highest individual score of 79. Close behind is skipper Siddhesh Lad with 153 runs to his name, with composed leadership that has matched his bat—delivered back-to-back fifties in high-pressure moments. Sutar stands second in the league’s run charts with two half-centuries and is a strong contender for the Orange Cap as the Royals step in for the semifinal.

The Royals’ remarkable cohesion and self-belief can be traced back to mentor Abhishek Nayar, whose tactical acumen, structured planning, and relentless motivation transformed a raw bunch of talent into genuine playoff contenders. 

Nayar said. “The boys trusted the process, committed to playing brave cricket, and gave it everything they had. Making the semi-final isn’t luck—it’s hard-earned, and I couldn’t be prouder. We knew we didn’t have icons, but what we had was hunger. The boys trusted the process, committed to playing brave cricket, and gave it everything they had. Making the semi-final isn’t luck—it’s hard-earned, and I couldn’t be prouder,” Nayar further added.

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The Royals journey hasn’t been about individual brilliance, it’s been a team clicking in sync. Maxwell Swaminathan led the charge with the ball, grabbing seven wickets and finishing among the top three bowlers across the four semi-finalists. Debutant Rohan Ghag made an immediate mark, while ‘Russell’ Rohan Raje added late-innings firepower. Young opener Sahil Jadhav showed fearlessness at the top, rounding out a squad where every player delivered when it mattered. Just one win away from the final, MSC Maratha Royals’ support staff has played a pivotal role in the team’s dream run.