Jaipur: In a gripping final that went down to the last ball, Team HDFC Bank clinched the inaugural Manipal Cup-2026 Cricket tournament, defeating hosts Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ) by three wickets.Batting first, MUJ posted a modest target of 57 runs. HDFC Bank kept the chase alive despite steady fall of wickets and sealed victory on the final delivery of the eight overs match. President, Manipal University Jaipur, Dr Niti Nipun Sharma handed over the Manipal Cup trophy to the winning side, led by Gaurav Tiwary.
The tournament was organised as part of MUJ’s celebration of the “Year of Collaboration,” featuring four participating teams — Manipal Hospitals, HDFC Bank, Gravita, and Manipal University Jaipur. The opening two fixtures were played in knockout format. In the first match, HDFC Bank defeated Manipal Hospitals, while MUJ overcame Gravita to set up the final.During the post-match presentation, several outstanding performances were recognised. Rupesh Garg of HDFC Bank was named both the Best Batter and Man of the Series. Man Mohan Mehta from MUJ claimed the Best Bowler award, while Suresh Meena from MUJ received the Best Impact Player trophy.The presentation ceremony was graced by senior dignitaries from MUJ, including president, Dr Niti Nipun Sharma; Provost, Dr Nitu Bhatnagar; Registrar, Dr Amit Soni; and Head of Human Resources, Ms Kananjeet Kaur, Director, CDOE, Dr Mallikarjuna Gadappa along with Jashmeet Singh, Vice President, HDFC Bank.Earlier in the day, the Manipal Cup-2026 was formally inaugurated in the presence of distinguished representatives from all four organisations. From Manipal University Jaipur, attendees included Dr N N Sharma, President, Dr Karunakar A Kotegar, Pro-President, Dr Amit Soni (Registrar), Dr Nitu Bhatnagar (Provost) and all Deans.Manipal Hospitals Jaipur was represented by Ranjan Thakur, Director, Zuber Khan, Head Operations, Dr Ashish Yagnik, Medical Superintendent and Ramesh Dharmani, Head Marketing. From Gravita, Kamal Mishra, Head HR attended Manipal Cup, while HDFC Bank was represented by Jasmeet Singh, Vice President and Gaurav Tiwary, Assistant Vice President.The first-ever edition of the Manipal Cup concluded on a high note, achieving its aim of fostering collaboration, camaraderie, and sportsmanship among industry and academic partners. The matches were streamed live on the official YouTube channel of Manipal University Jaipur for a wider audience.
