Wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik says the newly launched Tamil Nadu Premier League “seems like a mini IPL”. Karthik has been amazed by the buzz created by the tournament.
Karthik will be leading Tuti Patriots against Chepauk Super Gilles in the inaugural TNPL came here on Wednesday.
“It should be an interesting match. Both the teams are well balanced,” he said.
But, Karthik, will not be able to continue in the league as he will have to join Duleep Trophy team. But he would surely be available for the knockout games if his team qualified.
“Abhinav (Mukund) will be missing the first three or four matches but he could be playing for us after that.
“It is a good tournament. It will help cricket in the districts,” said Karthik.
Karthik added, “The boys are already showing so much enthusiasm.
“They are throwing themselves on the ground during fielding. They have never quite been a part of such a build-up to a tournament.”
The Patriots coach Monty Desai talking about Karthik said, “Karthik is a leader with a calm mind.”
In the absence of Karthik Kaushik Gandhi will be the captain of the Patriots team.
Super Gillies captain R. Sathish said that it could be a typical Chepauk wicket, having a lot of runs in it.
Sathish said, “I want my players to play with freedom as if they are playing in the nets. I want my players to enjoy their cricket.”
Super Gillies coach Hemang Badani said, “Every team has done its homework. Getting the right cricketers through the player draft is never easy. But I believe we have a good team.”
The Tamil Nadu Premier League planned on the lines of Karnataka Premier League which launched last year. After the success of Indian Premier League, the state premier league will offer a platform to youngsters to show their talent.