The Tennis Premier League (TPL) Season 8 player auction witnessed intense bidding in Mumbai on Tuesday, with India's Dhakshineswar Suresh joining Belgium's Sofia Costoulas, Russia's Sofya Lansere and Belarusian player Iryna Shymanovich as the joint-highest acquisitions at ₹13 lakh each.
The auction, held at the Four Seasons Hotel, brought together representatives of all eight franchises ahead of the upcoming season, scheduled to take place at the LB Tennis Stadium in Hyderabad.
Tennis legends Leander Paes, Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna attended the event alongside actors Rakul Preet Singh and Sonali Bendre. Amruta Fadnavis graced the occasion as the chief guest.
The auction highlighted the franchises' efforts to build competitive squads by combining
established international players with India's emerging and experienced tennis talent.
Dhakshineswar Suresh Among Four Joint-Highest Buys
India's Dhakshineswar Suresh was one of the biggest talking points of the auction after Lucknow Blazers secured his services for ₹13 lakh. The Indian player, currently ranked World No. 369 in singles, achieved a career-high ranking of 353 in 2026.
Suresh will represent Lucknow alongside Czechia's Dalibor Svrcina, who has achieved a career-high ranking of 86, and compatriot Julie Stuplova, acquired for ₹7 lakh. Stuplova currently holds a WTA ranking of 237 and reached a career-high ranking of 207 earlier this year.
Defending champions GS Delhi Aces also made a major investment, signing Sofia Costoulas for ₹13 lakh. The Belgian, who was among the standout performers in TPL Season 7, currently holds a WTA ranking of 159 and achieved a career-high ranking of 134 in 2026.
Delhi further strengthened its squad by acquiring India's Rithvik Choudhary Bollipalli for ₹7 lakh. Bollipalli reached a career-high ATP doubles ranking of 65 in 2025.
Hyderabad Strikers secured Russia's Sofya Lansere for ₹13 lakh, making her one of the four joint-highest acquisitions. Lansere currently holds a WTA ranking of 266 and has achieved a career-high ranking of 200.
The fourth player in the top-bid group, Iryna Shymanovich, was acquired by Gujarat Panthers for ₹13 lakh. The Belarusian currently holds a ranking of 213 and reached a career-high WTA ranking of 150 in 2026.
Rohan Bopanna's Gurgaon Grand Slammers Sign Shrivalli Bhamidipaty
Gurgaon Grand Slammers, led by Indian doubles great and former World No. 1 Rohan Bopanna, secured Shrivalli Bhamidipaty for ₹7 lakh.
Bhamidipaty reached a career-high WTA ranking of 300 in 2024 and will be joined by Germany's Daniel Masur, who was acquired for ₹7.10 lakh. Masur achieved a career-high singles ranking of 176 in 2022, bringing international experience to the franchise.
The team will look to combine Bhamidipaty's potential with Masur's experience as it prepares for the six-day competition in Hyderabad.
Rajasthan Rangers Add Sriram Balaji and Anastasia Zolotareva
Rajasthan Rangers, anchored by Australia's Rinky Hijikata, strengthened their lineup by signing Indian doubles specialist Sriram Balaji for ₹8 lakh.
Balaji, who reached the quarterfinals of the French Open in 2026, will be joined by Russia's Anastasia Zolotareva, acquired for ₹7.30 lakh. Zolotareva currently holds a WTA ranking of 269 and reached a career-high ranking of 229 in 2026.
Hijikata brings an impressive doubles pedigree to the franchise, having won the men's doubles title at the 2023 Australian Open and finished runner-up at Wimbledon in 2025.
Kolkata Thunder Blades Secure Fangran Tian
Kolkata Thunder Blades will be led by Argentina's Roman Burruchaga, identified as the league's highest-ranked active player at World No. 56.
The franchise acquired China's Fangran Tian for ₹9.20 lakh. Tian currently holds a ranking of 246 and reached a career-high ranking of 243 in 2026.
Kolkata also secured India's Anirudh Chandrasekar for ₹7.20 lakh. Currently ranked World No. 98 in doubles, Chandrasekar will add valuable experience to the squad as the franchise targets a strong campaign in Season 8.
Mumbai Royals Sign Niki Poonacha and Tara Wuerth
Mumbai Royals, anchored by Frenchman Terence Atmane, ranked World No. 99, acquired India's Niki Poonacha for ₹7.20 lakh.
Poonacha has reached a career-high ATP doubles ranking of 85 and will bring his doubles experience to the franchise. Mumbai also signed Croatia's Tara Wuerth for ₹7 lakh. Wuerth currently holds a ranking of 523 and has previously reached a career-high WTA ranking of 145.
The combination of Indian doubles experience and international talent will be central to Mumbai's preparations for the upcoming tournament.
Gujarat Panthers and Hyderabad Strikers Strengthen Their Squads
Gujarat Panthers, with France's Alexandre Muller returning as their marquee player, made Iryna Shymanovich their headline acquisition at ₹13 lakh. The franchise also secured India's Ramkumar Ramanathan for ₹7 lakh.
Ramanathan, an Asian Games silver medallist in men's doubles in 2022, brings considerable experience to the team.
Hyderabad Strikers, meanwhile, will be led by Croatian youngster Dino Prizmic, ranked World No. 95. Alongside Lansere, the franchise acquired India's Siddhant Banthia for ₹7 lakh. Banthia currently holds a doubles ranking of 118 and achieved a career-high ranking of 115 in September 2026.
TPL Season 8 Schedule, Live Streaming
With all eight franchises assembling their squads at the Mumbai auction, attention will now shift to Hyderabad, where the Tennis Premier League Season 8 will run from December 8 to 13.
The tournament will feature a mix of international professionals and Indian players competing for the title. The four joint-highest acquisitions at ₹13 lakh underlined the franchises' willingness to invest in players they believe can make a significant impact.
With defending champions GS Delhi Aces looking to retain their crown and the other seven franchises aiming to challenge them, Season 8 promises another competitive edition of the Tennis Premier League. Fans will be able to follow the action live on JioHotstar, with coverage beginning at 4:30 PM.
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