The eighth season of the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) has put up enthralling action, close encounters and big scores among others.. With nearly half the season still remaining, the race for the playoffs is already at boiling point with every team staking claim for a spot in the top four.
As a result, plenty of exciting narratives are set to unfold as new contenders emerge to challenge the existing powerhouses in Lyca Kovai Kings (table toppers this season), whose quest for a third straight TNPL title continues unabated. Like the seven seasons in the past, the TNPL has once again opened the doors for talent to express themselves on the big stage and some of them have laid down the marker for their sides this season.
So let’s take a look at the top 10 performers in the TNPL so far.
10.) S Harish Kumar (Salem Spartans)
While it has been yet another disappointing season for the Salem Spartans, there were certain bright spots, with S Harish Kumar being the chief among them.
The all-rounder was under some pressure after the Spartans broke the bank with a purchase worth ₹15.4 lakh. But he has proven to be a more than useful option for the Spartans with both bat and ball.
The 34-year-old has picked up 5 wickets in 6 games and scored 98 runs at a strike rate of 181.48 showcasing his ability to quickly prop up the run rate or be a finisher in the end. While the Spartans have bowed out of playoff contention, the form and performances of Harish Kumar among others offers hope and belief for the upcoming seasons for the Spartans.
9.) R Rajkumar (Trichy Grand Cholas)
The Trichy Grand Cholas changed their name (from Ba11sy Trichy) this season and it has brought about a change in their fortunes with the side currently placed second in the table and in with a great chance of making the playoffs for the first time.
A key component of their turnaround this season has been the performances of all-rounder R Rajkumar. The 30-year-old picked up 5 wickets in 5 games at an economy of just under 7. Rajkumar has also been an enforcer with the bat as well with his lusty blows lower down the order being key to Trichy’s success this season. Currently, Rajkumar leads the TNPL strike rate charts with an stunning rate of 214.
Able to be miserly with the ball, explosive with the bat and ability to contribute at any stage with both bat and ball in hand, Rajkumar could very well be one of the points of difference for the Grand Cholas as their quest to make the playoffs reaches its most important stretch.
8.) Abhishek Tanwar (Chepauk Super Gillies)
Yet another all-rounder who has made his mark this season is the Chepauk Super Gillies’ Abhishek Tanwar. The 32-year old returned to the team where he made his TNPL debut, and it was a steep ₹12.2 lakh that the record TNPL champions had to part ways with.
But the medium-paced all-rounder has done his fair share, picking up 7 wickets in 5 games and while he hasn’t had a lot to do with the bat, Tanwar has proved his worth, scoring at a smashing strike rate of 211. As a result, Tanwar’s exploits with the ball has kept the Super Gillies in the race for the playoffs as the team from the capital look to add to their record-extending haul of TNPL titles.
7.) P Saravana Kumar (Trichy Grand Cholas)
Yet another player from the Trichy ranks who’s been integral this season is P Saravana Kumar. The 2021 Purple Cap winner has been the key bowler for the Grand Cholas, picking up 9 wickets at an average of 11.88 and strike rate of 9.44 (the best SR in TNPL for bowlers who have bowled more than 10 overs).
The 34-year-old has formed a feared pace trio with Athisayaraj Davidson (8 wickets) and K Easwaran (5 wickets) forming a combo capable of skittling opponents out cheaply. While he has not featured with the bat yet, Saravana Kumar could be handy with the medium pacer capable of landing a few balls in the stands.
6.) B Sachin (Lyca Kovai Kings)
The 20-year-old has added more value to his performances from last season becoming the highest scorer for the defending champions, despite having played only three games this season. Sachin has top scored with 169 runs, containing two fifties and including a sparkling 76* against Nellai Royal Kings, their opponents from last season’s final. As a result, he has already surpassed his tally of 165 runs last season which ranked fifth best in the Kings’ ranks.
As a result, the youngster has been a guiding force with the bat for the Kings in the absence of the more established Sai Sudharsan. Striking at a healthy rate of 135+, the youngster is a good mix of aggression with watchful ability showcasing maturity beyond his years to manage different game situations. As a result, with Sai Sudharsan misfiring, Sachin could well be the next big thing to come out of the Kovai Kings and the TNPL this season.
5.) M Poiyamozhi (Salem Spartans)
Although his switch from the Nellai Royal Kings could’ve gone better, M Poiyamozhi continued from where he left off last season. Having picked up 13 wickets last season (the highest in the Royal Kings’ squad), the 33-year-old pacer is the highest wicket-taker this season with 12 scalps already to his name at a strike rate of 11.41.
Despite his side’s poor run in the TNPL, the pacer has now established himself as one of the premier quicks in the tournament and his continued form could bode well for the Salem Spartans who will look to turn a corner next season.
4.) Tushar Raheja (iDream Tiruppur Tamizhans)
We move from the highest wicket-taker this season to the highest run-scorer (to-date) in Tushar Raheja. The 23-year-old has top scored with 215 runs at a strike rate of 133.54 with two big fifties. The key part of Tushar’s scores is that he has scored in chases which showcases his ability to perform under duress. Tushar was also the top scorer for the Tiruppur Tamizhans last season, scoring 195 runs across the season as the Tamizhans missed out on the playoffs.
While his strike rate can definitely go up a gear, he still possesses the ability to hit the ball a long way. More importantly, in a team marked by big names and purchases like R Sai Kishore, Vijay Shankar and T Natarajan, Raheja’s ability to steer an innings and score big has been key in keeping Tiruppur Tamizhans in contention for the playoffs.
3.) B Indrajith (Dindigul Dragons)
An epitome of consistency in the TNPL, Indrajith is among the highest run scorers in the history of the league and has continued his rich vein of form by top scoring for the Dindigul Dragons this season.
With 211 runs at a staggering average of over 70, Indrajith has been a key cog for the Ravichandran Ashwin-led side. Having top scored last term as well with 227, a vital part of Indrajith’s success this season has been his ability to score quickly. Indrajith’s strike rate of 154 has been key to giving strong starts to the Dragons during their batting phase. The Dragons will hope that Indrajith continues to fire which would give their strong bowling arsenal more resources to work with in their quest for a maiden TNPL title.
2.) Sanjay Yadav (Trichy Grand Cholas)
Arguably the most transformative impact in Trichy Grand Cholas’ season has been the form of record purchase Sanjay Yadav. The 29-year-old’s all-round presence has been pivotal to their turnaround from ending up winless and rank-bottom in 2023 to having one foot in the door to the playoffs this season.
The pressure would’ve been massive on Yadav after a league record ₹22 lakh acquisition by the Grand Cholas put a lot of eyeballs and responsibility on him. But, he has been prolific with the bat, scoring 209 runs (third-highest in the league) at a strong strike rate of 152.55.
What’s more? Yadav has also hit the most sixes this season (16) and has also chipped in with wickets when needed for the Grand Cholas, picking up four scalps at a creditable 7.8 economy rate. His batting prowess along with his capability to bowl in the powerplay and through the middle overs makes him a talismanic presence for Trichy and would be money well spent if he can lead them to the playoffs for the first time.
1.) Shahrukh Khan (Lyca Kovai Kings)
Once again, the Lyca Kovai Kings top the TNPL standings and once again, it’s their skipper Shahrukh Khan that’s leading the charge. The 29-year-old has sparkled once again with bat and ball. Shahrukh holds the second spot in the wicket-takers list with 10 scalps at a ridiculous economy of 5.38 and average of 9.7. Adding this to his 17 wickets last season has easily established him as one of the best all-rounders going around.
He is more renowned as a big hitter and has done his reputation no harm by striking 121 runs at a strike rate of 168. Along with his performances with both bat and ball, Shahrukh’s formidable leadership capabilities have also been made evident. Although still a long way away, the all-rounder has played his part consummately and looks set to lead his side to their third straight TNPL title, which would make them only the second team after the Chepauk Super Gillies to win a troika of honors. More than the triumph though, his bowling and his all-round ability could prove to be the missing piece that could catapult Shahrukh towards interesting the National Team selectors to keep an eye on him going ahead.
