‘Ye bat se kab matches jeetaega’ – Fans react as Lyca Kovai Kings wins TNPL 2023, skipper Shahrukh Khan bags purple cap

In the finals of the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) 2023, the Lyca Kovai Kings beat the Nellai Royal Kings by 104 runs. With their dominating all-round performance, LKK outplayed NRK with both bat and ball. Right from the start, LKK never put up the wrong foot in the summit clash. With comprehensive teamwork, they clinched the trophy.

Earlier, after winning the toss, LKK skipper Shahrukh Khan opted to bat first. His decision did go well with the team, as they scored 205/5 in 20 overs. Top-order batters Suresh Kumar, U Mukilesh, and Atheeq Ur Rahman scored half-centuries to help LKK post a mammoth total. Atheeq, along with Mukilesh, added 74 runs for the fifth wicket in just 29 balls. Overall, LKK added more than 100 runs in the last 10 overs, which pushed NRK out of the game.

Suresh scored 57 runs off 43 balls with the help of four boundaries and three sixes. Mukilesh scored 51 runs off 40 balls with the help of four boundaries and a six. However, Atheeq’s electrifying innings were a plus for LKK. He scored 50 runs off just 21 balls with the help of eight boundaries and a six. For NRK, Sonu Yadav and Sandeep Warier took two wickets each.

NRK batters failed to put up a show under pressure

Chasing over 200 runs in a final game is one of the most stressful situations for any team. NRK also faced the heat and failed under pressure. In the first seven balls, NRK lost two wickets, including Ajitesh Guruswamy. Ajitesh has been phenomenal throughout the tournament but fell in the most crucial game. Meanwhile, openers Arun Karthik and Nitish Rajgopala added 38 runs for the third wicket.

However, they also caved in and failed to clinch the game for NRK. Arun was the high scorer for NRK with 27 runs off 14 balls with the help of three boundaries and two sixes. Apart from him, Rajgopala (13), L Suryaprakash (22) and M Piyamozi (19) were able to cross the two-digit mark. For LKK, skipper Shahrukh Khan took three wickets, while J Subramanyan got four wickets.

Here is how fans reacted to LKK’s commanding TNPL victory: