Hopes of a new champion: VB Chandrasekhar

“It’s good to see a different champion every year. It is also important from a tournament’s perspective to have teams that were in the bottom looking to rise up and finish among the top,” VB Chandrasekhar, owner of VB Kanchi Veerans, said ahead of the third season of the TNPL on Wednesday.

Defending champion Chepauk Super Gillies, inaugural champion Tuti Patriots, Lyca Kovai Kings, Siechem Madurai Panthers, Ruby Trichy Warriors, Dindigul Dragons, iDream Karaikudi Kaalai and VB Kanchi Veerans are the eight teams in the fray.

“The draft was done so well... very well thought out. You had the retention of three players, so, all those I think were very flexible and helped in putting a team together,” added Chandrasekhar.

“Overall, I think, most teams have turned strong enough outfits because they were able to get what they wanted,” Chandrasekhar further stated.

“TNPL 3 has a totally different look and feel,” said former Tamil Nadu cricketer DJ Gokulakrishnan, who is the bowling coach of Lyca Kovai Kings.

“I get the feeling that the brand of cricket that one will witness will be a lot different from the previous two seasons. All the teams look very balanced,” he added.

The TNPL has clearly grown in stature over the past two seasons with a number of players being picked up by Indian Premier League sides.

It is turning out to be a great platform for players from across the state, with the live TV coverage providing the opportunity for them to catch the eye of talent scouts of the various IPL franchises.

“It provides tremendous opportunities for youngsters to go up further. A lot of players are taking the TNPL route to state colours, IPL and higher,” said former India leg-spinner L Sivaramakrishnan.

Cricket legend Anil Kumble’s Spektacom, a technology that helps analyze batting, will debut in this edition. 

Former Karnataka opener and noted coach J Arun Kumar is the Head Coach of the Madurai franchise. “I’m happy that the franchise has shown faith in me... I’m looking forward to the experience,” he said.

The glittering trophy will be unveiled in Tirunelveli on Wednesday morning. The league will formally open in a ceremony before the first match.