As the much-awaited Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) gears up for its seventh edition on June 12, 2023, cricket fans are in for a treat. The defending champions, Lyca Kovai Kings (LKK) and Chepauk Super Gillies (CSG), will aim to retain their titles, while other franchises will fiercely compete for the coveted trophy.
However, amidst the excitement, there are rumors swirling that a few veteran players might be bidding farewell to the league after the conclusion of the 2023 edition. Let’s take a closer look at three players who could potentially retire following the TNPL 2023.
Shijit Chandran, a stalwart of the TNPL since its inception in 2016, has donned the colors of Siechem Madurai Panthers (SMP) and Lyca Kovai Kings (LKK) over the years. From 2016 to 2019, Chandran showcased his brilliance as a middle-order batter for SMP. In the team’s victorious 2018 campaign, Chandran played a pivotal role, amassing 213 runs in 10 matches at an impressive strike rate of 116.39.
His standout performance came in the final match, where he remained unbeaten on 38 off 49 deliveries, guiding his team to a resounding seven-wicket victory with a crucial partnership alongside Arun Karthik.
However, after moving to LKK in 2022, Chandran struggled to find his form, accumulating only 76 runs in 10 matches at a strike rate of 104.10. With another opportunity to represent Madurai Panthers this year, Chandran will look to make a significant impact and potentially end his TNPL career on a high note.
Arun Karthik, hailed as one of the league’s premier players, had been a vital cog in the Siechem Madurai Panthers’ lineup until the 2022 edition. Karthik’s remarkable journey with the Panthers peaked during their title-winning campaign in the third edition of the TNPL. He emerged as the competition’s highest run-scorer, accumulating an impressive tally of 472 runs in 10 matches at a staggering strike rate of 153.74.
Karthik’s heroic 75-run knock off just 50 deliveries in the final match propelled the Panthers to their maiden trophy, earning him both the Player of the Match and Player of the Series awards. In subsequent seasons, Karthik continued to excel, accumulating 356 and 293 runs in 2018 and 2022, respectively. As the 2023 edition approaches, Karthik will represent the Nellai Royal Kings (NRK), aiming to maintain his consistent form and potentially conclude his illustrious TNPL career on a high.
One of the most seasoned campaigners in the league, Rajagopal Sathish has left an indelible mark on the TNPL since its inception. In 2016, Sathish led the Chepauk Super Gillies (CSG) as their captain, guiding them to the tournament final, albeit ending as runners-up.
The following year, his leadership skills propelled the team to their maiden title, though his personal batting performance fell short, managing just 70 runs in nine matches at a disappointing strike rate of 98.59.
In 2019, Sathish joined VB Kanchi Veerans, where he regained his form, accumulating 178 runs in eight matches at an impressive strike rate of 183.50. Returning to CSG in 2021, he played a pivotal role in securing their third championship title as a batter, scoring 141 runs in 10 matches at a strike rate of 145.36. Despite a lackluster performance in the previous season, scoring only 80 runs in eight innings, Sathish’s experience and age of 42 suggest that the TNPL 2023 might be his final outing in the league.
As the TNPL 2023 approaches, the cricketing world eagerly awaits the clash of talents and the pursuit of glory. However, amidst the excitement, the potential retirements of Shijit Chandran, Arun Karthik, and Rajagopal Sathish loom over the tournament.
These seasoned veterans have made invaluable contributions to their respective teams over the years and have played instrumental roles in their successes. As they take the field one last time, fans will undoubtedly cherish their presence and hope for memorable performances that will forever be etched in TNPL history.
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