TNPL 2023: The business end of the tournament begins with Qualifier 1 between Kovai Kings and Dindigul Dragons

Defending champion Kovai Kings will meet Dragons on Friday; Panthers and Royal Kings will then clash in the Eliminator on Saturday. After 28 league matches over the last three-and-half weeks across four venues (Coimbatore, Dindigul, Salem and Tirunelveli, in that order), the business end of the TNPL will commence at the Salem Cricket Foundation Ground, where the first two Playoff games will be held.

After 28 league matches over the last three-and-half weeks across four venues (Coimbatore, Dindigul, Salem and Tirunelveli, in that order), the business end of the TNPL will commence from Friday at the Salem Cricket Foundation Ground, where the first two Playoff games will be held.

Defending champion Lyca Kovai Kings will take on Dindigul Dragons on Friday in Qualifier-1, followed by the clash between Siechem Madurai Panthers and Nellai Royal Kings in the Eliminator on Saturday.

Kovai Kings and Dragons have been the standout teams, having won six out of the seven games, with the former topping the standing on Net Run Rate.

Kovai skipper M. Shahrukh Khan recently told The Hindu, “We have been doing well as a team for the past few years, and we focussed on getting as many of our players back during the auction.”

The team broke the bank to get back B. Sai Sudharsan (₹21.60 lakh) and the opener repaid the faith by setting up five wins before leaving for the Duleep Trophy.

Dragons picked a strong bowling attack led by its skipper R. Ashwin. The India off-spinner, alongside Varun Chakravarthy, ensured a formidable spin combination. In the pace department, Subodh Bhati has been exceptional in the death, while P. Saravana Kumar has been productive with the new ball.

The batting unit looked a bit fragile, but opener Shivam Singh has come good in the last few games easing the burden on current skipper B. Indrajith, who has been prolific.