Led by Kichcha Sudeep, the Bulldozers storm to a historic third Celebrity Cricket League title, igniting celebrations across Sandalwood
Bengaluru, NFAPost: After a long wait that tested belief, patience, and loyalty, the Karnataka Bulldozers have officially reclaimed their place at the summit of the Celebrity Cricket League. Clinching their third CCL title—and their first since 2014—the Bulldozers returned to Bengaluru with the championship trophy, triggering jubilant celebrations among fans and the Sandalwood film fraternity alike.
The title triumph came after a commanding six-wicket victory over the Bengal Tigers in a high-octane Grand Final, marking a triumphant end to a season defined by resilience, bold chases, and the unmistakable “Bulldozer spirit.”
“This Is Not Just a Tournament, It’s an Emotion”
Addressing the media at a post-victory press conference in Bengaluru, team captain Kichcha Sudeep reflected on what the win meant to the team and its supporters.
“I’ve always said that for us, this isn’t just a tournament; it’s an emotion,” Sudeep said.
“To lead this group of great players and finally bring the cup home after more than a decade is a feeling I can’t put into words. Watching the team execute our plans under pressure was a treat.”
He dedicated the victory to the loyal fan base that stood by the team during years of near misses.
“This win is for our fans who never stopped believing in us through the dry years. ‘Ee Sala Cup Namde’ is no longer just a slogan—it’s a reality!”
A Statement Victory in the Final
The Grand Final, held at the SNR College Stadium, saw the Bulldozers deliver a composed all-round performance. After restricting the Bengal Tigers to 129 runs, the team chased down the target with confidence and authority.
Star batsman Rajeev Hanu emerged as the hero of the final, smashing a blistering 69 off just 35 balls to earn the Man of the Match award. The bowling honours went to Prathap, whose disciplined spell earned him the Best Bowler of the Final title.
The final result sparked celebrations not only in the stadium but across Karnataka, with fans hailing the return of a champion side that had come heartbreakingly close on several occasions in the past.
Owner Hails the ‘Bulldozer Spirit’
Reacting to the landmark win, Ashok Kheny, Managing Director of AKK Entertainment and owner of the Karnataka Bulldozers, described the victory as deeply emotional.
“This victory is a testament to the ‘Bulldozer spirit’—relentless, powerful, and unwavering,” he said.
“After 12 long years and several close finishes, seeing the trophy return to Karnataka is an emotional moment for all of us.”
Praising Sudeep’s leadership, Kheny added:
“We didn’t just play to win; we played for the pride of Sandalwood. The roar of the Bulldozers is back—and it’s louder than ever.”
The Road to Glory: A Season of Dominance
The Bulldozers’ 2026 campaign was one of the most compelling in CCL history, marked by dramatic chases and nerve-wracking finishes under the guidance of coaches Ritesh Bhatkal, Ranjan, and Arjun.
- Vs Punjab De Sher: The season opened with a strong statement, as the Bulldozers defended a total of 170 against the defending champions.
- Vs Telugu Warriors: In one of the greatest chases in CCL history, the team hunted down a massive 227, finishing the job with 16 balls to spare.
- Vs Bhojpuri Dabanggs: A tense encounter saw the Bulldozers defend 202 runs, showcasing disciplined death bowling to secure a knockout berth.
- Semi-Final vs Chennai Rhinos: A hard-fought win against arch-rivals in Hyderabad demonstrated the team’s composure under pressure.
- Grand Final vs Bengal Tigers: A clinical six-wicket win sealed the long-awaited title.
A Team Effort, On and Off the Field
The championship-winning squad featured Pradeep, JK, Krishna, Chandan, Rajeev, Nirup, Pratap, Arjun, Sachin, Karan, Manjunatha, and Bachan, each contributing at crucial moments through the tournament.
Their collective discipline and adaptability were widely credited as key factors behind the team’s consistency throughout the season.
CCL Wild Card: Fans Get a Once-in-a-Lifetime Chance
In a unique initiative, the Celebrity Cricket League has also announced a Wild Card opportunity for fans to be part of the Karnataka Bulldozers squad. For the first time, cricket enthusiasts can register on CCL.in for a chance to play alongside the team.
What makes the opportunity especially special is that selected fans will take the field under the captaincy of Kichcha Sudeep, experiencing the league from inside the boundary ropes.
A Legacy Reinforced
Founded as one of the original franchises of the Celebrity Cricket League, the Karnataka Bulldozers now boast three championship titles (2013, 2014, 2026) and six runner-up finishes, reaffirming their status as one of the league’s most successful and beloved teams.
After 12 years of waiting, heartbreak, and belief, the Bulldozers’ return to the top is more than a sporting achievement—it is a story of persistence, unity, and a slogan finally fulfilled.
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