Clash of titans in TNPL opener

As in the first two editions, TNPL will feature eight franchises. The teams will play each other in a round-robin format with the top four qualifying for the Playoffs. A total of 32 matches will be played over 33 days across three venues with the final to be staged at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on August 12.

India Test off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is leading the Dragons while Ruby Trichy Warriors is captained by Baba Indrajith. After finishing second in the 2016 league table, Dragons dropped down to the sixth spot last season and will be hoping to get off to a good start this time around.

Dindigul also have the likes of Anirudh Sita Ram B and NS Chaturved, who have been consistent performers in the TNPL. Not to forget ’keeper-batsman Narayan Jagadeesan and the big-hitting all-rounder R Vivek from their last year’s squad. In addition, they also bought back all-rounder Adithya Arun and Silambarasan M.

The Warriors retained last season centurion Bharath Shankar and left-arm spinner K Vignesh. The team possesses a good mix of experience and youth.

Key contest: Ashwin v Vijay A wily off-spinner versus a wonderful strokemaker – promises to be an eye-catching duel.

Head to Head: Dragons won both meetings