The Tamil Nadu Premier League is scheduled to begin next week. The trend of Twenty-20 leagues around the world started with the IPL as it popularised franchise-based cricket around the globe. The Big-Bash, The Ram Slam, The Caribbean Premier League all followed suit after the Indian Premier League changed the demography of the cricketing world.
The glamour and entertainment involved in these leagues attract people to the stadiums. Twenty-20 Leagues in the domestic circuit was no such exception. Karnataka Premier League was started by the KSCA (Karnataka Premier League) back in 2009, a year after IPL’s debut. Now, the TNCA (Tamil Nadu Cricket Association) is about to organise its inaugural Tamil Nadu Premier League. The Tamil Nadu Premier League will be broadcast by the STAR Network. Many big names are involved with the domestic league.
Let us have a look at the 5 best signings of the TNPL:
#5 Abhinav Mukund
With a prolific performance in the domestic circuit, the southpaw from Tamil Nadu will have a point to prove in the game's shortest format. Having played the IPL previously with the Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore, he would be comfortable with such matches.
Pairing up with the experienced Dinesh Karthik in the batting line-up will definitely give bowlers a run for their money. Abhinav has scored 21 centuries in his first class matches, with a career best of 300 not-out. He has played five Test matches for the Indian cricket team which includes a half century.
With International experience under his belt, he would like to make the most of the situation and score runs for his team.
#4 Gurkeerat Singh Mann
The youngster from Punjab will definitely be the man to look out for. The all-rounder will bring stability to Alwarpet. He is useful with the bat in the lower-order and quite effective with off-breaks as well. Gurkeerat has been a regular in Kings XI Punjab during the IPL.
He made his International Debut in Australia this year but failed to make a mark, scoring just 13 runs in 3 matches. He would be eager to perform in the Tamil Nadu Premier League and grab the attention of the selectors. He came in limelight when he scored a match-winning 87 for India A against Australia A in the final of a Tri-Series.
#3 Murugan Ashwin
Murugan Ashwin was one of the most talked about player in last season’s IPL. He came up with a couple of special performances which made him a household name. His spells against Kings XI Punjab (3/36) and Gujrat Lions (2/31) helped Rising Pune Super Giants to a great extent.
The leg-spinner’s partnership with international star Ravichandran Ashwin will definitely give Jolly Rovers an added advantage over other teams, as it had earlier done when they represented Rising Pune Supergiants in IPL 2016.
In this year’s IPL, Rising Pune Supergiants’ Captain M.S.Dhoni actually made more use of Murugan Ashwin than Ravichandran Ashwin. He was taken by the Pune-based franchise in the IPL for 4.5 crores, his base price at the beginning being 10 lakhs.
#2 Dinesh Karthik
Dinesh Karthik is one of the most expensive players in the IPL. Dinesh Karthik has a wide variety of shots and has the capability to change the course of the game in quick time. Dinesh Karthik played 23 Tests and 71 ODIs for the Indian Cricket Team and also has a Test-ton to his name.
Vijay CC will be lucky to have such an experienced player leading their batting line-up. He scored 335 runs in IPL 2016 with two half-centuries included. When he was re-called for the ICC Champions Trophy 2013, he scored two centuries in the warm-up games, and also scored an unbeaten 51 against West Indies in the group stage. Re-establishing himself as a lethal batsman is going to be his primary motive.
#1 Ravichandran Ashwin
Arguably India’s top bowler in the spin department, and one of the best in the world. Ravichandran Ashwin is a bowler who can win matches single headedly. The fastest Indian bowler to take 150 wickets in Tests is going to be a force to reckon with. Jolly Rovers would be more than pleased to receive the services of an International Icon like him.
Ashwin has played 32 T20 internationals and picked up 35 wickets. He would definitely want to perform well in the Tamil Nadu Premier League, and maintain his good form when he represents India in the upcoming tour of the West Indies. In addition to his remarkable performance with the ball, he has a couple of Test centuries to his name.
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