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TNPL 2018: Fairy tale campaign has its happy ending
Despite playing very good knocks as an opening batsman in the first two editions of the Tamil Nadu Premier League, KB Arun Karthik was unable to steer his side to a win.
Chennai
Despite playing very good knocks as an opening batsman in the first two editions of the Tamil Nadu Premier League, KB Arun Karthik was unable to steer his side to a win.
But on Sunday, the Madurai Panthers had a happy ending to a fairy-tale campaign after it defeated Dindigul Dragons by seven wickets in the final of TNPL 3 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
Arun Karthik was pleased with the 117-run partnership he stitched with Shijit Chandran after Madurai was put into all sought of trouble at two for three. “We were well prepared this year, the drafts also went our way, our picks like Varun Chakaravarthy, Abhishek Tanwar, Rahil Shah were very successful. The squad was a good mix of experience and youth. I am really happy with the way I and Shijit (Chandran) finished the match for the team,” said an elated Arun Karthik during the post-match press conference.
The former captain led from the front when it mattered the most, delivering unbeaten knocks of 79 and 75 against Kovai Kings and Dindigul Dragons in the Qualifier 2 and final respectively. “It (the win) has actually not sunk it yet. The victory feels good. Before the tournament, Shijit and I had a secret talk that we need to win at least one game this season. After the loss against Dindigul in the first match, we were really determined to come back strong,” added the right hander.
Arun Karthik’s performances were not enough for the Madurai franchise to register a win in TNPL 1 and 2. But this time around, he spent more time in the middle and finished the proceedings without leaving it to others. On his improved finishing skill this season, he remarked, “Last two seasons, I was not finishing well for the team. I was contributing but winning makes you happier. I was determined to bat through the innings and worked hard on it. I am happy that it worked out well.”
Mystery spinner CV Varun made many batsmen dance to his tune and maintained a wonderful economy rate throughout the tournament. Commenting on Varun’s contribution to the team, he said, “Our first pick in the draft this year was Varun. He has the X-factor in him and has a very big heart. He has stepped up for us in the crucial situations and has delivered whenever needed. He has troubled even the better batsmen of spin and he is an amazing prospect. Nevertheless, it was a collective bowling effort, Abhishek Tanwar, Kiran Aakash, Rahul Shah all bowled well throughout the competition.”
D Rohit (Captain):
Unbelievable emotions. For the first two years, we had not won anything and this year to come back this way with the trophy is special. What I am feeling right now is unreal and credits go to the way Shijit Chandran and KB Arun Karthik played. Whatever we have achieved this year it’s for them.
Thalaivan Sargunam:
To be frank, when we started this journey our target was to win just a single game. We were the underdogs and we took one game at a time and it feels good to be on the winning side.
Varun Chakaravarthy:
This is my first championship win and I am really happy about this. We have been training hard and we were working for this for the past two months. I am really happy to be here and I am out of words to explain my feelings.
Shijit Chandran:
Very happy that finally, Madurai has won. We have worked hard for this win. I am very emotional now and I have no words to express how I feel.
Rahil Shah:
It feels great to win the tournament. Shijit and KB signing it off has made it even more phenomenal.
Abhishek Tanwar:
It’s been an amazing journey this season. Last two years, we didn’t win a single game and it feels really great to be the champions this year.
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