Published: Sep 17, 2016, 12:46 PM (IST)
Edited: Sep 17, 2016, 12:47 PM (IST)
The second semi-final of the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) 2016 is all in readiness to set the roaring MA Chidambaram Stadium on fire. The table-toppers Chepauk Super Gilliers will lock horns with Lyca Kovai Kings to stamp a place in the final against TUTI Patriots. Chepauk did not start the campaign on a winning note but went on to win 5 of the next 6 matches, clearly stating that they are here to exhibit their dominance. On the other hand, Kovai have had a topsy-turvy journey, winning 4 out of the seven matches before they sealed a berth in the semi-final.
Chepauk won their previous contest, beating VB Thiruvallur Veerans by 41 runs. Meanwhile, Kovai edged past Dindigul Dragons by 16 runs. So far, both sides have put clinical performances, covering all the bases of the game. Therefore, both sides will leave no stone unturned to get the better of each other and reach the final stage of this T20 extravaganza. All the same, the last time these two teams squared off, Kovai pushed Chepauk to the doorstep of defeat, getting the better of them by 11 runs. But whoever handles the knockout pressure well will emerge triumphant.
There are a number of reasons why Chepauk have edge over their opposition. Not only have they been the most staggering side but also have been consistently putting up 160-plus score. In addition, they have lost only two contests. And it’s their top order that has been doing most of the damage. KH Gopinath, Thalaivan Sargunam and Vasanth Saravam have been scoring bulk of the runs, setting up the foundation for the middle order. However, they don’t go all guns blazing in the mandatory powerplay; they see off the new ball, ensuring they don’t give away wickets. “They are giving us a good start in this tournament and we want them to do that. All they have to do is play their natural game and hopefully they continue their same form in the next game,” R Sathish told tnca.cricket. All in all, the trio have amassed 641 runs between them. Also read – TNPL 2016, 1st semi-final: TP thrash DDD by 38 runs to seal spot in final
Sathish has also been in thick of the things, scoring vital runs in the death overs. Nonetheless, given the top order has been in blistering form, the middle order has not had the opportunity to boast of their skills. On the other hand, their bowling unit has been a superior force to reckon with. Bowling spearhead Antony Dhas has picked up 11 wickets, and has been second-fiddled by R Alexander and Sai Kishore’s consistent performances. “We have a plan for Dhas and we know he’s our main bowler. But we have a plan and we will stick to it,” Satish added.
But the highlight of has been Ashwath Mukunthan’s stunning debut, as he scalped a five-for in the last game, and will play a key role in this crucial encounter as well. To add to the fire, their fielding has been top-notch as well.
Meanwhile, Kovai have been relying on their bowling unit, which has helped them defend low-scoring targets. They feature an experienced campaigner in MK Siva Kumar, who is backed well by fast bowlers M Mohammed, Hairsh Kumar and K Vignesh.
Opener Anirudh Sita Ram has been their highest run-scorer, with 281 runs to him name. On the other hand, Suryaprakash has been in terrific form of late, and will look to do the same in the knockout.
“Every game is a big game for us. We have played good cricket towards the end of the league and hopefully we continue with the same momentum that we have till now. Everyone is fit. I’m surely playing tomorrow and I’m just protecting my hand with the plaster, it’s nothing serious,” Sathish said. Also read: BCCI stops Ashwin from playing in TNPL semi-final
As Kovai beat Chepauk in the group, Sathish added, ” Definitely motivated as we lost to them and we’re pretty keen to play good cricket. We had the concern of losing wickets in bunches, but we have a plan for them now. Hopefully, we play good cricket and change the equation.”
Sathish has bagged three ducks this season. ” Nothing like that. I still got the fastest fifty, so I just play my natural game. I know if I’m there I can get some runs on the board and it will be a threat to the opponents. It happens, three ducks; I don’t think it will happen again.”
Hemang Badani being the team’s coach, it has helped the team achieve new heights. “Definitely a lot of difference. If you see our team at the beginning of the tournament and now the influence is really great as we topped the table. He just talks to all the youngsters and tells them how to go about their game. He has a lot of experience having played for the country and he’s sharing everything with all of us, so it’s a great influence and we’re happy to have him.” Also read: Virender Sehwag calls Ravichandran Ashwin ‘Shaatir Player’ on his 30th birthday
Also, former South Africa all-rounder Lance Klusner’s presence has helped Kovai learn the tricks of the trade. Kovai’s Suryaprakash said, “Lance Klusener is a very nice person and excellent coach. During the tournament you can’t go into too many technical details so he has taught us tactics — how to handle situations and bowlers. He’s very helpful and knows the game in and out. So he’s able to help us relate to various scenarios. He’s very calm and doesn’t show his expression on his face but he has a very big role to play in our team.”
Squads:
Lyca Kovai Kings: Adhithya Giridhar, S Ajith Ram, Devendra Anchit, B Anirudh Sita Ram, JS Mohammad (c), B Arun, Ravi Kumar Rohith (wk), K Gowtham Thamarai Kannan, S Harish Kumar, Murugesan Kamlesh, M Mohammed, Vijay Shankar, MK Sivakumar, Akshay Srinivasan, L Suryaprakash, S Tarun Srinivas, Krishnamoorthy Vignesh, Murali Vijay
Chepauk Super Gillies: Arun Kumar, Rajagopal Sathish (c), Antony Dhas, Gopinath (wk), Joel Joseph, Yo Mahesh, Dakshinamoorthy Kumaran, Sathiamoorty Saravanan, Thalaivan Sargunam, R Alexander, Aditya Barooah, Jothimani Gowjith Subhash, S Karthik, Ashwath Mukumthan, Baskaran Rahul, Rajeel Abdul Rahman, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore, Uthirasamy Sasidev, V Shibi Jawahar, SI Vasudevan, PS Nirmal Kumar
