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TNPL: Madurai Panthers has an arduous task in its title defence

If there is a dramatic story in the Tamil Nadu Premier League in its three years, it belongs to Siechem Madurai Panthers.

TNPL: Madurai Panthers has an arduous task in its title defence
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Panthers players during the jersey launch. (Inset) SMP CEO Pooja Damodaren

Chennai

Panthers, which played under the garb of Madurai Super Giant in the first two editions and failed to win even one match, rose from the ashes in the third edition and went on to win the title last year.

“For all the hard work we invested as a team, we tasted sweet victory at the end,” says Pooja Damodaren, the CEO of Panthers. “As for this year, we are hoping to keep the spirits high and take it one match at a time. We are focused on working as a team to achieve our goal of defending the title.” Panthers achieved what it wanted because of team work.


Key players KB Arun Karthick, Rohit Damodaren and CV Varun were pioneers of the victory. But, Pooja quickly adds players like Thalaivan Sargunam, Koushik J, Abhishek Tanwar, Lokesh Raj and Rahil Shah also played a prominent role in helping them win crucial matches. “The support staff and the management were also strong pillars who helped all of it run smoothly behind the scenes. New players such as Selvakumaran, Murganathan, Mithun and Akash Sumra seem to be this year’s captures who will lead us to success,” the CEO put her team’s thoughts in perspective. The one major blow for Panthers is that it won’t have the services of last year’s captain Rohit and Thalaivan Sargunam, who are playing for Pondicherry in the Ranji Trophy. “As per the rules, these players had to choose between TNPL and Pondicherry. Hence, they have decided to skip the tournament,” explained Pooja.


Further, Panthers will also be without its main bowler CV Varun, who is out with an injury. Pooja admitted it will be a serious setback. “It is a terrible loss to the team but we also take pride in saying that our very own home boy from SMP made it big. He made his debut for the State team and later got picked by Kings XI Punjab in the IPL. So we are extremely proud of him but yes, his injury is unfortunate. But, we certainly have promising players who will help fill in his void,” she said.


In the absence of Rohit, KB Arun Karthick will lead the side. “KB is undoubtedly a key batsman of our team; he’s probably one of the best batsmen TNPL has ever had. His match-winning knocks were significant and that’s why we are a champion side today. This year also, he will continue to help us,” said Pooja. 

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