The ninth edition of the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) kicks off today, Thursday, June 5, 2025, with a high-stakes rematch between defending champions Dindigul Dragons and last year’s runners-up Lyca Kovai Kings at the Sri Ramakrishna College of Arts and Science Ground in Coimbatore. This opening clash sets the tone for a month-long cricketing spectacle, culminating in the final on July 6.
 TNPL 2025: A New Chapter Begins
TNPL 2025 features eight teams competing in a round-robin format across four venues: Coimbatore, Salem, Tirunelveli, and Dindigul. Each team will play seven league matches, with the top four advancing to the playoffs. The tournament showcases a blend of seasoned professionals and emerging talents, making it a crucial platform for players aiming to make their mark in Indian cricket.
 Match 1 Preview: Dindigul Dragons vs Lyca Kovai Kings
-
Date & Time: June 5, 2025, at 7:15 PM IST
-
Venue: Sri Ramakrishna College of Arts and Science Ground, Coimbatore
The Dindigul Dragons, led by veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, are eager to defend their title against the Lyca Kovai Kings, captained by the explosive Shahrukh Khan. This match is not just a rematch of last year’s final but also a battle between two of the most consistent teams in the league’s history.
 Pitch Report: SNR College Cricket Ground
The pitch at the SNR College Cricket Ground is known for being bowler-friendly, with a slow and low surface that offers assistance to both seamers and spinners. Early in the innings, seamers can exploit movement, while spinners come into play as the match progresses. The average first-innings score here is around 157, and teams chasing have had more success, winning 5 out of the last 8 matches at this venue.
 Team Squads
Dindigul Dragons
-
Captain: Ravichandran Ashwin
-
Key Players: Baba Indrajith, Varun Chakravarthy, Sandeep Warrier, Shivam Singh
-
Full Squad: Atul Maruti Vitkar, Baba Indrajith, Chandrasekar DT, Dinesh H, Hunny Saini, Jayant RK, Karthik Saran M, Maan K Bafna, Periyasamy G, Ravichandran Ashwin, Sandeep Warrier, Shivam Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Viju Arul M, Vimal Khumar R
Lyca Kovai Kings
-
Captain: Shahrukh Khan
-
Key Players: Sai Sudharsan, Manimaran Siddharth, P Vidyuth
-
Full Squad: Andre Siddarth, Balasubramaniam Sachin, Jitendra Kumar, K Vishal Vaidhya, Sai Sudharsan, Shahrukh Khan, P Vidyuth, Pradheep Vishal, Ramalingam Rohit, Madhava Prasad, Suresh Lokeshwar, Ambrish R S, B Aaditya, Govinth G, Guru Raghavendran, Jhathavedh Subramanyan, M Siddharth, N Kabilan, P Bhuvaneswaran, Ramesh Divakar
 Players to Watch
-
Ravichandran Ashwin (Dindigul Dragons): The experienced off-spinner brings leadership and tactical acumen to the team. His ability to control the middle overs will be crucial.
-
Shahrukh Khan (Lyca Kovai Kings): Known for his power-hitting, Shahrukh’s role as captain and finisher makes him a vital asset for the Kings.
-
Sai Sudharsan (Lyca Kovai Kings): A consistent performer at the top of the order, Sudharsan’s form can set the tone for the innings.
-
Varun Chakravarthy (Dindigul Dragons): The mystery spinner’s variations can be a game-changer, especially on the slow Coimbatore pitch.
 Head-to-Head
In the previous edition, the Dindigul Dragons defeated the Lyca Kovai Kings in the final, clinching their first TNPL title. This victory adds an extra layer of intensity to today’s opener, as the Kings seek redemption.
 Fantasy Cricket Tips
-
Captain Choices: Ravichandran Ashwin, Shahrukh Khan
-
Vice-Captain Options: Sai Sudharsan, Varun Chakravarthy
-
Top Picks: Baba Indrajith, Sandeep Warrier, P Vidyuth
 How to Watch
Fans can catch the live action of TNPL 2025 matches on Star Sports and stream them online via FanCode. The tournament promises a blend of thrilling cricket and emerging talent, making it a must-watch for cricket enthusiasts.
As the Dindigul Dragons and Lyca Kovai Kings take the field tonight, all eyes will be on Coimbatore to witness the start of what promises to be an exhilarating season of the Tamil Nadu Premier League.
Please check for information on the best betting sites in India – https://selectory.org/best-betting-sites/