TNPL 2018: Fairy tale campaign has its happy ending

Despite playing very good knocks as an opening batsman in the first two editions of the Tamil Nadu Premier League, KB Arun Karthik was unable to steer his side to a win. 

But on Sunday, the Madurai Panthers had a happy ending to a fairy-tale campaign after it defeated Dindigul Dragons by seven wickets in the final of TNPL 3 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. 

Arun Karthik was pleased with the 117-run partnership he stitched with Shijit Chandran after Madurai was put into all sought of trouble at two for three. “We were well prepared this year, the drafts also went our way, our picks like Varun Chakaravarthy, Abhishek Tanwar, Rahil Shah were very successful. The squad was a good mix of experience and youth. I am really happy with the way I and Shijit (Chandran) finished the match for the team,” said an elated Arun Karthik during the post-match press conference. 

The former captain led from the front when it mattered the most, delivering unbeaten knocks of 79 and 75 against Kovai Kings and Dindigul Dragons in the Qualifier 2 and final respectively. “It (the win) has actually not sunk it yet. The victory feels good. Before the tournament, Shijit and I had a secret talk that we need to win at least one game this season. After the loss against Dindigul in the first match, we were really determined to come back strong,” added the right hander. 

Arun Karthik’s performances were not enough for the Madurai franchise to register a win in TNPL 1 and 2. But this time around, he spent more time in the middle and finished the proceedings without leaving it to others. On his improved finishing skill this season, he remarked, “Last two seasons, I was not finishing well for the team. I was contributing but winning makes you happier. I was determined to bat through the innings and worked hard on it. I am happy that it worked out well.” 

Mystery spinner CV Varun made many batsmen dance to his tune and maintained a wonderful economy rate throughout the tournament. Commenting on Varun’s contribution to the team, he said, “Our first pick in the draft this year was Varun. He has the X-factor in him and has a very big heart. He has stepped up for us in the crucial situations and has delivered whenever needed. He has troubled even the better batsmen of spin and he is an amazing prospect. Nevertheless, it was a collective bowling effort, Abhishek Tanwar, Kiran Aakash, Rahul Shah all bowled well throughout the competition.”