CHENNAI:The Vijay Shankar-led Tamil Nadu team that won the Vijay Hazare and Deodhar Trophy titles was felicitated by the TNCA at a grand function on Monday.
Former BCCI president N Srinivasan hailed the team for its hard work and discipline in bagging two crowns. The new TNPL logo and schedule was also released at the function.
“It’s a combination of talent and excellent support staff, right from Hrishikesh Kanitkar to L Balaji, that led the team to perform to its potential and win two titles. We also reached the semifinals in the Ranji trophy. Let us savour the moment and congratulate the team,” said Srinivasan, the head of TNCA.
“The TNPL served as a good platform for our state’s players to excel in limited-overs games, and also the IPL. The state board must work hard to see that the league lives up to the benchmark set last year,” added the former ICC chairman.
Former Indian cricketer WV Raman lauded the team. He also emphasised that TNPL had grown in popularity, and was a good platform for youngsters to display their wares.
Tamil Nadu coach Kanitkar accepted the felicitations, and attributed the success to the hard work of his boys. “Our success was due to hard work of the team, and the excellent support staff, starting with Balaji.
“Another major factor that helped was that I enjoyed complete freedom to do what I wanted for the benefit of the team. A player like Jagadeesan, after getting a ton, had to sit out. So it was teamwork that helped us win and I’m sure those who did not get a chance this time will get opportunities next season,” said the former India cricketer.
The logo used last year said ‘Tamil Nadu Premier league’, but this time, it has been changed to just ‘TNPL’, with India Cements as the title sponsor.
Defending champions Tuti Patriots take on Dindigul Dragons in the opening match of the second edition at Chepauk.
Rahil, Malolan shine
Spinners Rahil Shah and Malolan Rangarajan bowled in tandem to help Vijay CC reduce Jolly Rovers to 263 for 8 at stumps on the Day 1 of their TNCA Elite group Senior Division league final at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Monday.
Rahil took three wickets in the 18th over and reduced Rovers to 47 for 4. Thereafter, Lokeshwar (62) and Syed (62) added 89 runs to rescue their team.
Brief scores: Jolly Rovers 263/8 in 89.4 ovs (S Lokeshwar 62, Syed Mohammed 62, Piyush Chawla 59 no; Rahil Shah 3/67, Malolan Rangarajan 3/83) vs Vijay CC.