Chepauk Super Gillies, Kovai Kings face off at Chepauk

The teams have met twice in TNPL last year, Lyca winning in the group stage and Gillies winning the crucial semi-final at Chepauk. The two teams have played one match each this season, both having won it too. 

The only difference is that while Super Gillies entered the final last year, Lyca finished one  step behind. Super Gillies coach Hemang Badani is aware of this and does not want to take any chances. 

“In this type of format, even one ball can make a difference,” said the former international during a practice session on Friday. “These are early days. Lyca is a good side. Last year we lost to it in Tirunelveli,” said the coach. 

Super Gillies batsman Vasanth Saravanan said this year all teams are well prepared. “Last year the entire league had some unknown elements: the format, the rival teams and the approach. Now we know the weaknesses of the other teams and the same goes for them too. So there is a lot more preparation going into this edition,” said Saravanan. 

Addressing a press conference, he said one of the two negatives from the first match which Super Gillies won comfortably was that in the death bowling, “we should have been more disciplined.” And when it chased down the modest target of 126, “we should not have lost more than a couple of wickets.” Lyca coach Hemant Kumar said the first match was good, though it was close. 

“Last year we were all raw because most of the players did not have experience in Ranji or IPL. Now they are able to understand their roles and are able to express themselves,” said the former TN batsman. 

Lyca captain Syed Mohammed reckoned Super Gillies top order is strong but down the line the team’s batting could be tested. “Basically, Gopinath, Sathish and Vasant are the key batsmen and if you get them out early, your job is done,”  felt Mohammed.