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The Eliminator of the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) 2025 sets up a high-stakes knockout clash between Dindigul Dragons and Trichy Grand Cholas , both teams looking to book their place in Qualifier 2. The match will be played at the NPR College Ground, Dindigul , where chasing has been a preferred option so far this season.
This is a do-or-die contest — the winner advances, while the loser’s TNPL campaign ends here. Both sides have shown glimpses of brilliance, but only one can take the next step toward the finals.
Match Details
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Dindigul Dragons vs Trichy Grand Cholas – Eliminator |
| Date | July 3, 2025 |
| Venue | NPR College Cricket Ground, Dindigul |
| Time | [Insert Time] IST |
| Competition | Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL), Season 9 – Eliminator |
Team Previews
Dindigul Dragons Preview
Defending champions Dindigul Dragons enter the playoffs with a 4-3 record , having picked up crucial wins in the second half of the tournament. They are not at their peak yet, but they still carry the experience and depth needed for knockout cricket.
Shivam Singh has been their standout batter, scoring 284 runs in seven innings at a strike rate of 140 , including two fifties. He provides the early impetus and can also anchor the innings when required.
Captain Ravichandran Ashwin adds stability with the bat and leads the spin department. His leadership and composure under pressure make him a key player. Vimal Khumar contributes aggressive cameos, while Varun Chakaravarthy offers variety in the middle overs.
Their bowling unit is among the strongest in the league. Sandeep Warrier and Ganeshan Periyaswamy offer pace and control, sharing 14 wickets between them . Ashwin and Chakaravarthy provide tight spells and regular breakthroughs.
If the Dragons can execute well as a team and find rhythm in this must-win game, they’ll be tough to stop from progressing to the next stage.
Trichy Grand Cholas Preview
Trichy Grand Cholas entered the playoffs on a high, riding a wave of momentum after securing three wins from their last four games. Their final group-stage win over Dindigul Dragons gave them confidence and secured their spot in the Eliminator.
R Rajkumar has been their most impactful batter, scoring 200 runs in seven matches at an impressive strike rate of 206 . His ability to rotate strike and hit boundaries makes him a dangerous finisher.
Sanjay Yadav and Jagatheesan Kousik have stepped up late in the season, each contributing over 175 runs in the tournament. They give the middle order much-needed stability and fight.
In bowling, V Athisayaraj Davidson has led the attack with 11 wickets at an economy of 8.60 , offering control and variations. P Saravana Kumar and K Easwaran chip in with useful spells and have combined for 15 wickets .
Trichy rely heavily on partnerships and late-innings finishes. Their bowling lacks penetration compared to top teams, making it hard to contain strong batting lineups.
They’ll need sharp execution and consistency across departments if they’re to pull off another upset and progress to the next round.
Favourite Team to Win Today’s Match
| Favourite Team | Reason |
|---|---|
| Dindigul Dragons | Defending champions with more balance and better bowling options. Ravichandran Ashwin brings leadership and all-round impact. Sandeep Warrier and Ganeshan Periyaswamy offer death-over control. Trichy beat Dragons in their last meeting, but that was in group stage; knockout cricket demands depth and experience. Dindigul have a stronger squad on paper and more firepower in the middle and lower order. While Trichy have found form late, Dindigul remain favorites due to superior structure, historical depth, and Ashwin-led leadership. |
Fantasy Team XI (with Explanation)
| Player Name | Role | Team | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ravichandran Ashwin (c) | Bowler / Captain | DINDIGUL DRAGONS | Game-changer with both bat and ball; ideal fantasy captain choice. |
| R Rajkumar (vc) | Batter / Vice-Captain | TRICHY GRAND CHOLAS | Explosive finisher; scored 200 runs at SR of 206. |
| Shivam Singh | Batter | DINDIGUL DRAGONS | Aggressive opener; rotates strike well and contributes consistently. |
| Vimal Khumar | Batter | DINDIGUL DRAGONS | Dependable middle-order presence; averages above 30 and strikes at 148. |
| Sanjay Yadav | Batter | TRICHY GRAND CHOLAS | Solid middle-order batter; useful for strike rotation and late hits. |
| Sandeep Warrier | Bowler | DINDIGUL DRAGONS | Star pacer; takes early wickets and maintains pressure. |
| Ganeshan Periyaswamy | Bowler | DINDIGUL DRAGONS | Economical bowler; took 2 wickets in last game and controls run flow. |
| Jagatheesan Kousik | Batter | TRICHY GRAND CHOLAS | Finisher; ideal for late-innings acceleration and chase stability. |
| Varun Chakaravarthy | Bowler | DINDIGUL DRAGONS | Smart spinner; breaks partnerships and keeps it tight. |
| V Athisayaraj Davidson | Bowler | TRICHY GRAND CHOLAS | Leading wicket-taker; effective in crunch moments. |
| Maan Bafna | Batter | DINDIGUL DRAGONS | Lower-order hitter; can change the game with quick runs. |
Captain & Vice-Captain Suggestions
- Captain : Ravichandran Ashwin (DID) – Impact player with bat and ball; leadership role boosts value.
- Vice-Captain : R Rajkumar (TGC) – In-form finisher; explosive striker of the ball.
Players to Avoid in Fantasy Teams
- Baba Indrajith (DID) – Struggled to contribute meaningfully recently.
- Waseem Ahmed (TGC) – Lacks big scores or impactful bowling in recent games.
Squads
Dindigul Dragons Squad
- Ravichandran Ashwin (c)
- Shivam Singh
- Baba Indrajith (wk)
- Vimal Khumar
- Maan Bafna
- M Karthik Saran
- Varun Chakaravarthy
- Sandeep Warrier
- DT Chandrasekar
- Ganeshan Periyaswamy
- Hunny Saini (Impact Player)
Trichy Grand Cholas Squad
- Jayaraman Suresh Kumar (c & wk)
- Waseem Ahmed
- Sanjay Yadav
- Jagatheesan Kousik
- U Mukilesh
- R Rajkumar
- P Saravana Kumar
- Jafar Jamal (Impact Player)
- V Athisayaraj Davidson
- N Selva Kumaran
- K Easwaran
Probable Playing XI
| Dindigul Dragons | Trichy Grand Cholas |
|---|---|
| Ravichandran Ashwin (c) | Jayaraman Suresh Kumar (c & wk) |
| Shivam Singh | Waseem Ahmed |
| Vimal Khumar | Sanjay Yadav |
| Maan Bafna | Jagatheesan Kousik |
| Baba Indrajith (wk) | R Rajkumar |
| Varun Chakaravarthy | U Mukilesh |
| Sandeep Warrier | V Athisayaraj Davidson |
| Ganeshan Periyaswamy | P Saravana Kumar |
| DT Chandrasekar | N Selva Kumaran |
| M Karthik Saran | K Easwaran |
| Hunny Saini (Impact Player) | Jafar Jamal (Impact Player) |
Pitch Report
- Venue : NPR College Cricket Ground, Dindigul
- Average First Innings Score : ~158
- Highest Score : 203/6 (by Lyca Kovai Kings)
- Nature of Pitch : Balanced surface; spinners get grip and turn. Pacers rely on cutters and slower deliveries in death overs.
- Expected Target : 170–180 should be competitive.
- Fielding Advantage : Chasing teams have won comfortably in recent TNPL games here.
Toss Prediction
- Likely Outcome : Even chance for either side to win the toss.
- Decision : Bowl first. Historical data shows chasing teams have had more success here; dew and slowing pitch favor second innings.
Winner Prediction
Dindigul Dragons are our predicted winners of the TNPL 2025 Eliminator . They come into the match with greater depth , a more experienced bowling attack , and Ashwin’s leadership giving them an edge in knockout contests.
While Trichy Grand Cholas beat Dindigul in the last league match, they lack the same level of consistency and balance. If the Dragons tighten their fielding and deliver a collective performance, they should progress to the next stage.
Back Dindigul Dragons to secure a playoff win and move closer to the TNPL 2025 Finals.
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