TNPL: Vijay likely to play against Kanchi Warriors

Murali Vijay is the only international player in the Kovai Kings side and has played 150 T20 games.

Murali Vijay... fit and raring to go.

Lyca Kovai Kings skipper Murali Vijay is likely to play tomorrow’s Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) game against Ruby Kanchi Warriors.

Vijay was injured after India’s first Test against West Indies. He featured in the fourth Test but didn’t bat as the match was washed out after 22 overs of play.

Vijay is the only international player in the Kovai Kings side and has played 150 T20 games. The batsman’s inclusion will bolster the team, said J. Syed Mohammed ahead of the game.

“The preparation has been good over the last two weeks. The youngsters in the team are pumped up and are looking forward to perform well,” Syed said.

Kovai Kings’ coach Lance Klusener, who joined the team in today’s practice session, said: “Nice to get out there and meet the boys. They’ve been working hard for two weeks. Compliments to the coaches for doing that. It might take a few days for me to get to know them. But I am looking forward to it.”

Tamil Nadu cricketer Vijay Shankar, who’s nursing an injury, will “take a while” before he gets a game, said Klusener.

Kanchi Warriors’ skipper Baba Indrajith said the practice games have helped his team get ready for tomorrow’s match. Asked about captaining a team, the 22-year-old said, “It’s a new challenge. It’s a big stage for me and all the team members. But it’s an exciting tournament and we are all looking forward to it.”

Many players, who come from different parts of Tamil Nadu, will be playing under the lights for the first time. “Awareness is the key. Most of them haven’t played under lights. So, they will have to look out to learn new things.”