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The second match of the TNPL season promises an exciting clash as struggling Chepauk Super Gillies (CSG) lock horns with a rejuvenated Nellai Royal Kings (NRK). Here’s a look ahead:
CSG Aim to Bounce Back After Opening Loss
Chepauk Super Gillies will be desperate to avoid an early season slump after their narrow defeat to Lyca Kovai Kings. Captain Baba Aparajith, their leading run-scorer last season, will be crucial with the bat. Abhishek Tanwar impressed with four wickets in the previous match, and they’ll need similar bowling heroics.
Chepauk Super Gillies Predicted Playing XI:
Arun Karthik (c), AV Abilash, Guruswamy Ajitesh, Nidhish Rajagopal, Laxmesha Suryaprakash, Rithik Easwaran, Sonu Yadav, NS Harish, Mohan Prasath, Lakshay Jain, SJ Arun Kumar
NRK Look to Capitalize on Fresh Start
Nellai Royal Kings, starting their campaign fresh, will be brimming with confidence after a strong runner-up finish last season. Opener Guruswamy Ajitesh, who amassed the most runs for NRK in 2023, will be their batting mainstay. Sonu Yadav, their leading wicket-taker last season, will spearhead the bowling attack.
Nellai Royal Kings Predicted Playing XI:
Santhosh Kumar, Narayan Jagadeesan, Baba Aparajith (c), Pradosh Ranjan Paul, Daryl Ferrario, Jitendra Kumar, Rajagopal Sathish, Abhishek Tanwar, Rahil Shah, Silambarasan, Aswin Crist
Pitch Report Favors Early Batting
The Salem Cricket Foundation Stadium pitch is known to be batting-friendly initially. Teams batting first can aim for a score of around 145, considering the average second innings score here is just 125 runs. However, cloudy conditions with light rain forecast might make batting difficult later.
Match Prediction
Nellai Royal Kings have enjoyed more success at this venue, winning the last two encounters against CSG. Interestingly, CSG’s last win here came against NRK. Historically, only 25% of teams have chosen to bat first at this ground, but the early batting-friendly conditions might see a shift in trend.
Prediction: Nellai Royal Kings Edges Out CSG
CSG’s opening loss and NRK’s fresh legs tilt the balance in the latter’s favor. While CSG has the talent to challenge, NRK’s historical dominance at this venue and their hunger for a title might just see them through. Expect a close contest with NRK emerging victorious.
