legend of deccan gladiators
In the fast-paced history of the T10 league, Deccan Gladiators has already become one of its most successful sides.
Established in 2019, the team has won three Abu Dhabi T10 titles (2021, 2022 and 2024) and reached the final five times, with a win rate above 70% – a rare level of consistency in shorter-format cricket.
By the end of the 2024 season, three Gladiators players had earned individual honors:
- Tom Kohler-Cadmore (Most runs-278)
- Richard Gleeson (Most wickets – 14)
- Jos Buttler (Player of the Series)
These achievements underline the team’s balanced strength in both batting and bowling.
The turning point came in the 2021 season, when the club rebuilt its roster and signed several international stars – andre russell, nicholas puran, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Tymal MillsAnd david wiese,
Russell’s unbeaten 90 off 32 balls in the final gave the Gladiators their first title and announced their arrival as a major force.
Over the next two years, the gladiators kept their core united and improved their tactics.
They defended the title in 2022 and won again in 2024 as a combined form of Butler and Kohler-Cadmore.
That year they won 6 out of 7 matches, topped the table with a +2.130 net run rate, and defeated Morrisville Samp Army by eight overs in the final – their third championship in four seasons.
Challenges and adjustments
Success has not been achieved without stress. During the 2023 season, the Gladiators struggled for consistency.
Injuries and national-team call-ups kept senior players like Russell and Wiese off the field, while new players needed time to settle.
Batting production in key games declined and the team finished in mid-table after an uneven campaign.
At the end of 2023, the team experimented with replacing some of the veterans with younger players – but the change was not immediate. The semi-final defeat to Samp Army highlighted problems in middle overs execution and bowling rhythm.
Analysts described the team as having a “transition window”, where the margin for error was low and balance was difficult to maintain.
Over the past two seasons, the Gladiators have tested a number of batting orders and tactical combinations, but the challenge remains to maintain both flexibility and execution – especially in a high-pressure, high-paced format like T10.
A new chapter with BC.GAME news
Ahead of the 2025 season, Deccan Gladiators announced BC.GAME News as their new main sponsor – widely considered an extension of the global online entertainment brand. B.C. game,
The company is best known for its presence in crypto gaming and digital entertainment, and has recently expanded into sports as well, partnering with Leicester City FC, Barbados Royals, and O’Higgins FC, among others.
The 2025 Abu Dhabi T10 League is scheduled to begin in November.
Gladiators have confirmed the return of key players:
- Tom Kohler-Cadmore
- Richard Gleason
- luke wood
- jos buttler
They will launch a new kit featuring the BC.GAME News logo as they aim for another title.
The focus of the season will be on roster cohesion and continuity. Kohler-Cadmore and Buttler remain the preferred opening pair, while Pooran and Russell provide middle-order firepower. Gleeson and Luke Wood are expected to lead the bowling unit.
Most bookmakers and analysts have again listed the Gladiators among the top contenders, citing their proven origins and consistent structure.
What’s next for Deccan Gladiators?
Many legends are at the final stages of their international careers.
Russell has announced his retirement from playing for the West Indies in 2025, while Buttler and Pooran will continue to play in global leagues such as T20 and The Hundred.
This generational shift forces the Gladiators to manage aging stars while grooming the next wave of talent.
The management is reportedly working on long-term plans, including overseas training camps and youth development initiatives beyond the UAE.
The 2025 campaign may not define the Gladiators’ legacy – but how they evolve from champions into an enduring powerhouse.