TNPL 2018: Team of the Tournament

The 2018 season of the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) turned out to be the tournament's most successful edition yet. Packed arenas and significant television audiences greeted almost every match. Quite a few acclaimed former cricketers from across the globe added star value in the commentary and analytics section.

Fittingly, the top two teams from the group stage successfully navigated the playoffs to contest the title clash. Eventually, Siechem Madurai Panthers comprehensively defeated Dindigul Dragons in the high-octane final. Let us now take a look at the team of the tournament. With a thriving mix of experienced performers and promising young talents, this lineup can pack quite a punch in the shortest format.

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#5 Openers

KB Arun Karthik was undoubtedly the best batsman in the 2018 TNPL season

One of the more curious cases of discernible talent not fulfilling its estimated potential, KB Arun Karthik has been with the Tamil Nadu set up for a reasonably long time. The 2018 TNPL season saw the powerfully built right-hander achieve his breakthrough phase. Six of his ten innings were converted into fifty-plus scores. His tally of 472 runs at a magnificent average of 78.66 was the highest in the tournament.

Ostensibly named after the most popular Indian actor in the recent era, M Shahrukh Khan has stormed into the limelight. His sheer capacity to take apart bowling attacks in the Power Play overs established the foundation for Kovai Kings' fortunes. The 23-year old blitzed 325 runs at a rapid strike-rate of 141.30. The promising showing could elevate him to regular opportunities for Tamil Nadu in the coming years.

#4 Middle-order

Narayan Jagadeesan led Dindigul Dragons to the final

Although he opened the batting for Dindigul Dragons, Narayan Jagadeesan slots in at number three in this lineup. Apart from donning the wicket-keeping gloves, he also captains this star-studded team. With 396 runs at a healthy average of 66 and steady strike-rate of 130.69, the right-hander ended up as the second highest run-scorer in the season.

Among all batsmen who scored at least 50 runs in the tournament, R Vivek's astonishing strike-rate of 209.60 was comfortably the highest. Utilised smartly by Dindigul Dragons, the middle-order batsman hammered three fifty-plus scores and served as the quintessential lynchpin in their batting lineup.

At 37, Rajagopal Satish continues to make an impact. The veteran was instrumental in TUTI Patriots putting up a credible campaign in this TNPL edition. With enormous experience including stints at various national leagues, the right-hander stood out in tough situations. He slammed 233 runs at a majestic average of 77.66 and sparkling strike-rate of 182.03.

#3 All-rounders

Maan K Bafna's all-round performances strengthened Idream Karaikudi Kaalai

Having already played 25 first-class matches and 26 List-A games, Selvam Suresh Kumar was one of the most experienced campaigners in the Trichy Warriors team. The 33-year old certainly did not disappoint as he chipped in with 225 runs at a stellar average of 45. Surprisingly, captain Baba Indrajith used the off-spinner's services for just 12 overs. Nevertheless, a parsimonious economy-rate of 4.58 should present ample evidence of Selvam's ability with the ball too.

Even as numerous top-order batsmen stole the show and quite a few fast bowlers showcased their skills, the season did not turn out to be a profitable one for all-rounders. However, Idream Karaikudi Kaalai's Maan K Bafna managed to buck the trend. Aside from contributing 190 runs from eight matches, the left-arm spinner also collected five wickets at an economy-rate of exactly 7.

#2 Bowlers

Thangarasu Natarajan reiterated his impressive credentials in the shortest format

With his jaw-dropping array of variations, it might not be a stretch to identify leg-spinner Varun Chakravathi as the find of the season. Among all bowlers who sent down more than 12 overs, his economy-rate of 4.70 was the best. Plenty of highly-rated batsmen struggled to sort between his googly and carrom ball.

Abhishek Tanwar led Madurai Panthers' bowling attack quite splendidly. While an economy-rate of 9.06 might seem to be on the expensive side, the right-arm seamer's propensity of getting crucial scalps enabled him to become the leading wicket-taker of the tournament.

Touted as the Tamil version of Lasith Malinga, Athisayaraj Davidson's awkward bowling action made him an incredibly difficult customer in the death overs. The TUTI Patriots spearhead picked 13 wickets from seven matches at a remarkable strike-rate of 12.9.

Among the success stories of the 2017 IPL Auction, Thangarasu Natarajan continued to impress in the 2018 TNPL season too. Despite arriving with an immense reputation, the left-arm pacer finished the tournament as its most consistent bowler. The sangfroid manner in which he delivered victory in the one-over eliminator was one of the telling moments of the season.

#1 12th Man and Full Team

Anirudha Srikkanth smashed as many as 20 sixes in the season

As with every all-star lineup, selecting the twelfth man becomes highly imperative. Considering the intense competition for top-order spots, adding another powerful batting option up the sleeve is prudent. Idream Karaikudi Kaalai skipper Anirudha Srikkanth fits the bill perfectly. Plundering 347 runs from eight matches at an imposing strike-rate of 154.22, the explosive opener was in rampaging form.

Team of TNPL 2018: KB Arun Karthik (Siechem Madurai Panthers), M Shahrukh Khan (Lyca Kovai Kings), Narayan Jagadeesan (c) (wk) (Dindigul Dragons), R Vivek (Dindigul Dragons), Rajagopal Satish (Jones TUTI Patriots), Selvam Suresh Kumar (Ruby Trichy Warriors), Maan K Bafna (Idream Karaikudi Kaalai), Varun Chakravathi (Siechem Madurai Panthers), Abhishek Tanwar (Siechem Madurai Panthers), Athisayaraj Davidson (Jones TUTI Patriots) and Thangarasu Natarajan (Lyca Kovai Kings)

12th Man: Anirudha Srikkanth (Idream Karaikudi Kaalai)