TNPL 2019: Kumaran, Ashik steal spotlight at player draft

Tuti Patriots, Chepauk Super Gillies, Siechem Madurai Panthers and Ruby Trichy Warriors maximised their squad strength while VB Kanchi Warriors stopped at 21. Lyca Kovai Kings and last year's finalist Dindigul Dragons were content with 19 members.

Dindigul Dragons was content with a 19-member squad for TNPL 2019.

Pacer Tamil Kumaran and wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammed Ashik N were the top draws at the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) players' draft held at Hotel Crowne Plaza in Chennai on Thursday.

Kumaran, 35, a Tamil Nadu regular in Ranji Trophy, was the first pick of the day as he was grabbed by former champion Tuti Patriots. In the second round, Lyca Kovai Kings put its might behind 21-year-old Ashik. The Coimbatore lad had created a flutter recently by smashing a hundred against Madras Cricket Club in a Twenty20 match.

“I was looking forward to this year's TNPL draft. I am so grateful that I made it as this could be a chance for me to gain experience and grow as a player,” a jubilant Ashik said.

“Ashik's addition will be a big boost for us,” head coach of Lyca Kovai Kings and former Tamil Nadu captain, R Prasanna, said.

Tuti Patriots all-rounder Subramania Siva feels the player draft went off well for his team. “We've concentrated on all-rounders in this player draft which I thought was a successful move. These players have performed well in the lower divisions and it's time for them to be promoted and show some of that talent in the bigger stage,” he said.

READ: BCCI denies Thalaivan permission to play in TNPL

All-rounder A Karippuswamy, bought by iDream Karaikudi Kaalai, was another interesting pick of the day. All-rounder Yo Mahesh believes his side can pull off some surprises this season with such tactical picks. “Karippuswamy was the pick of the day for us. He will surprise a few teams with his talent,”  the Tamil Nadu player said.

Everything went according to plan for Chepauk Super Gillies (CSG) too. “We lacked in the bowling department last season and hence we brought in three seamers which will add good strength to our side,” said Hemang Badani, former Indian batsman and present head coach of the team.

Ruby Trichy Warriors maximised its squad strength as it included 22 players in the side.

 

CSG owner Sivanthi Adityan believes his team will be a force to reckon with this season. “We ended up picking all the bowlers we had on our list. Jeba Selvin is an exciting talent to watch out this season. He has a lot of potential,” he said.

During the draft picks on Thursday, Tuti Patriots, Chepauk Super Gillies, Siechem Madurai Panthers and Ruby Trichy Warriors maximised their squad strength (22 players each) while VB Kanchi Warriors stopped at 21. Lyca Kovai Kings and last year's finalist Dindigul Dragons were content with 19 members.

Former Tamil Nadu off-spinner and coach of Dindigul Dragons M Venkatramana insists the side is content with a 19-member squad. “19 in itself is a bigger number, we, in fact, were thinking of limiting it to 17. Our plan was to strengthen our bench and we got what we expected in the draft today,” he said.

Overall, 42 players were picked during the day from a pool of 878 players. Tuti Patriots, entered the draft today with the biggest shopping list of nine players and filled all its slots.

“The franchises made smart moves today to make their selections and each one of them was quite content with the composition of their respective squads. It also sets the tone for an exciting season ahead,” RT Palani, joint secretary, Tamil Nadu Cricket Association said.