It’s do or die for Kaalai and Kovai Kings

The Murali Vijay-led Lyca Kovai Kings, which had a mixed bag outing in the early phases of the tournament, needed two consecutive wins to make it to the play-offs and it did it in style to book a berth in the eliminator against Karaikudi Kaalai in Dindigul on Wednesday.

Lyca Kovai Kings will rely heavily on its captain Murali Vijay.

This edition of the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) has seen quite a few close finishes. And, if there’s one team that has made the close-finish job look like a craft, it has to be the Lyca Kovai Kings. The Murali Vijay-led side, which had a mixed bag outing in the early phases of the tournament, needed two consecutive wins to make it to the play-offs and it did it in style to book a berth in the eliminator against Karaikudi Kaalai in Dindigul on Wednesday.

Coached by former South Africa all-rounder Lance Klusener, the Kovai Kings will heavily rely on its captain Vijay — who returning from an injury—has made his presence felt. While the Kovai Kings has been able to get the house in order, its opponent, Kaalai too will be hoping to stay alive in its quest for a final berth.

For that, it will however depend a lot on its skipper S. Badrinath and top batsman Srikkanth Anirudha. In this tournament, Aniurudha has had his moments of glory and he would be hoping to make the opportunity count when the ball gets rolling in Dindigul!