The inaugural KannadigaruUK (KUK) Summer Cricket League 2026 concluded in spectacular fashion with a thrilling Grand Final at Coronation Recreation Ground, Walton-on-Thames, where Royal Rashtrakutas delivered a dominant all-round performance to defeat Hoysala Hurricanes and lift the championship trophy.
The month-long tournament brought together members of the KannadigaruUK community for a celebration of competitive cricket, sportsmanship, friendship, and community spirit. The league showcased outstanding talent and provided an exciting platform for players across all participating teams.
In the Grand Final, Hoysala Hurricanes won the toss and elected to bat first, posting a competitive 164/7 in 20 overs. Captain Rakesh Patel led from the front with a blistering 62 runs from just 29 balls, supported by Marthish Shivaramaiah (27)* and Mahesh Sannakki (24).
Royal Rashtrakutas responded brilliantly with the ball. Ganapati Bhat produced a disciplined spell, claiming 2 wickets for 15 runs from 4 overs, while GV Ravi picked up two wickets and Vinod Roy contributed with an important breakthrough and excellent fielding effort.
Chasing 165 for victory, Royal Rashtrakutas produced a batting masterclass led by Uthkarsh Balegara, who played one of the finest innings of the tournament. The opener remained unbeaten on 104 runs from just 57 deliveries, smashing 10 sixes and 5 fours in a sensational match-winning knock. After the early loss of two wickets, Uthkarsh combined with captain Rahul Srinath (22)* in an unbeaten partnership that guided the team home comfortably.
Royal Rashtrakutas reached 165/2 in 17.2 overs, securing victory with 16 balls to spare and becoming the first-ever champions of the KUK Summer Cricket League.
Individual Awards
🏆 Champions: Royal Rashtrakutas
🌟 Player of the Match: Uthkarsh Balegara – 104* (57 balls)
🏅 Player of the Tournament: Vinod Roy – Outstanding all-round performances with both bat and ball throughout the tournament
A Celebration of Community Cricket
The success of the KUK Summer Cricket League 2026 would not have been possible without the dedication and support of players, captains, volunteers, umpires, scorers, sponsors, supporters, and families. The tournament embodied the values of teamwork, friendship, inclusivity, and sporting excellence that define the KannadigaruUK Cricket Club.
KannadigaruUK Cricket Club extends its sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed to making the inaugural Summer Cricket League a memorable success and looks forward to building on this momentum in future editions.
Congratulations to Royal Rashtrakutas – Champions of the KannadigaruUK Summer Cricket League 2026!
