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Phew! That was quite the start alright! TNPL 2022 couldn't have asked for anything more box-office and well, we should be in for more fireworks in the weeks to come. That's all she wrote for this contest, but there's loads of cricketing action coming your way tomorrow. It's a packed day, so do keep yourselves updated with all the action and news from around the globe here on Sportskeeda. Thank you so much for tuning into our coverage of this clash - this is Sooryanarayanan Sesha signing off on behalf of my good friend and co-commentator Rajarshi Das, while reminding you to mask up and get vaccinated in case you haven't already! Good night and take care!
Baba Indrajith (Nellai Royal Kings Captain): Definitely. This is the perfect first game for everybody, for the fans and for us - it was an exciting game. (On the early collapse with the bat) Definitely not the pitch - we have to put our hands up and say that we didn't bat well in the Powerplay. Credit goes to Sanjay Yadav and Suryaprakash - to go from 36/3 to 184, it was a terrific effort from those two. (On the Jagadeesan run out) We had spoken that nobody had to take advantage at the non-striker's end. In the Super Over, we had one run to score off two balls so if we had taken an extra start it would have been unfair as well. Apar stopped at first since he saw that Jagadeesan had taken an extra start. We were clear that nobody should have an unfair advantage. (Did they warn Jagadeesan?) It was a soft indication the previous ball (grins) but Apar clearly warned him. When you play against a tough side you have to bring your A-game. The kind of team they have, they can field two XIs actually (grins). When you beat such a team, it gives you a lot of confidence.
Sanjay Yadav is the Player of the Match for his stellar all-round show - 87* with the bat and 2/27 off his 4 overs with the ball.
Let's hear from the man himself: It was very close. They played really well, we have to appreciate them. But we fought very well in the end and won. This is my sixth year - every match we gain some experience and we have to perform well and do well for the team. Our boys did very well - all of them contributed in the bowling department. Personally, I try to finish the game. I take it until the end; I know I can hit the big shots but if I can start and end well, it will be a big plus for my team.
Kaushik Gandhi (Chepauk Super Gillies Captain): It was up and down, wasn't it? We as players enjoy the game as much as the fans did. The rub of the green didn't go our way but I'm happy with the way the boys played. No regrets! I don't know whether to call it a good omen or not (losing the first game). The tournament runs fast, we have to get some momentum in our side. The next game comes quickly so we have to put our hands up. I was happy with the way I was batting but ultimately any batter wants to end on the winning side so my innings counts for nothing. (On the Jagadeesan dismissal) I respect whatever they did. It definitely won't happen under my leadership. No point complaining about it, it is what it is and we have to stay inside the crease next time around.
Nellai Royal Kings 184/4 (20) tie with Chepauk Super Gillies 184/7 (20). Kings win in the Super Over. Sanjay Yadav 87* (47) & 2/27 (4) | Laxmesha Suryaprakash 62 (50) | Harish Kumar 1/30 (4) & 26* (12) Kaushik Gandhi 64 (43) | Sonu Yadav 34 (23) & 1/41 (4)
Have you caught your breaths at all? This is a mad, mad sport, isn't it? We keep saying the same and if only I could earn a dime for every time I said that...
It was an action-packed contest. Drama, controversy, thrill - it had it all. The game came to life once Baba Aparajith ran Narayan Jagadeesan out for backing up too far at the bowler's end. A visibly livid Jagadeesan even made a poor gesture as he trudged off the park, but that didn't seem to deter skipper Kaushik Gandhi who looked solid at his end.
A partnership is what the Super Gillies needed with the spinners chipping away at one end. If it was Sanjay Yadav who was the star in the first innings, his brother Sonu Yadav was spiked up the order to add some firepower. He executed his pinch-hitting role to perfection to infuse some momentum into the chase.
Eventually, Sanjay won the battle of the Yadavs and despite the asking rate getting out of hand and Rajagopal Sathish ending up run out, Kaushik Gandhi was there to keep the Super Gillies afloat. His departure seemed to signal the end though, until Harish Kumar launched into Trilok Nag to make a real fist of this.
Harish farmed the strike and took it upon himself in the final over. 11 runs were needed off 3 deliveries as he tonked Athisayaraj Davidson down the ground. A fine yorker and a leading edge over third man ensued, stretching the game into a Super Over.
Davidson redeemed himself with a much better display in the Super Over, even as Jagadeesan's last-ball six gave the Kings a target of 10 runs. A couple of wides and poor execution under pressure from Sandeep Warrier meant that the Royal Kings made it past the finish line. Phew! That was something alright!
Oh the agony and ecstasy this sport brings! What a game, what a contest and what a beginning to the sixth edition of the TNPL! At the end of it all, delight on the faces of the home crowd and the home team as Nellai Royal Kings scrape home!
0.5 Sandeep Warrier to G Ajitesh, TIGHT RUN! AJITESH IS HOME! THE KINGS ARE HOME! Slower good length delivery at the stumps, Ajitesh stabs it to the bowler's right from his crease. A simple tap and run as he bows his head down and runs like there's no tomorrow. Warrier picks up, turns around and throws but it's an errant one, even as Ajitesh makes it with a stretch. Nellai Royal Kings beat Chepauk Super Gillies in the Super Over!
G Ajitesh walks out on debut. What's running in his mind?
Who's writing these scripts? This is unbelievable and we can't think of words at this point. 1 to win off 2 deliveries! Surely not another wicket here for another tied Super Over?
0.4 Sandeep Warrier to Baba Indrajith, CAUGHT! INDRAJITH WALKS! Warrier finally goes for the yorker on middle and leg and Indrajith closes the face of his blade as he jams it into the turf. Skews it off the leading edge and the ball flies to extra cover who throws it into the air in elation. Now then, surely not another twist?
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B Aparajith
N Jagadeesan
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Indian Cement Company Ground, Tirunelveli
