TNPL 2025 Match 24 Preview: Nellai Royal Kings vs Dindigul Dragons – Clash for Playoff Glory
The Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) 2025 is heating up as we head into Match 24, where the Nellai Royal Kings (NRK) are set to face off against the Dindigul Dragons (DD) on Thursday, June 26, at the Indian Cement Company Ground in Tirunelveli. With the playoff race entering a critical phase, both teams have everything to play for in this high-voltage encounter.
Match Details
- Match: Nellai Royal Kings vs Dindigul Dragons, Match 24, TNPL 2025
- Date & Time: Thursday, June 26, 7:15 PM IST
- Venue: Indian Cement Company Ground, Tirunelveli
Team Form and Standings
Nellai Royal Kings have had a mixed campaign so far, with 2 wins and 3 losses, placing them 6th on the points table. Their recent performance has dipped, and they desperately need back-to-back wins to stay alive in the playoff race.
Meanwhile, Dindigul Dragons have shown more consistency with 3 wins in 5 matches, currently sitting at 3rd. A win here would inch them closer to securing a playoff spot and perhaps even a Top-2 finish.
Playing XI Predictions
Nellai Royal Kings (NRK)
- Ajitesh Guruswamy
- Arun Karthik (c)
- NS Harish
- Rithik Easwaran (wk)
- Athish SR
- Muhammed Adnan Khan
- Sonu Yadav
- Sachin Rathi
- Rocky Bhasker
- Emmanuel Cherian
- Valliappan Yudheeswaran
Dindigul Dragons (DD)
- Ravichandran Ashwin (c)
- Shivam Singh
- Baba Indrajith (wk)
- Hunny Saini
- R K Jayant
- Maan Bafna
- M Karthik Saran
- Varun Chakaravarthy
- Sandeep Warrier
- DT Chandrasekar
- Ganeshan Periyaswamy
Head-to-Head Record
Nellai Royal Kings have historically dominated this fixture.
- Total Matches: 4
- NRK Wins: 4
- DD Wins: 0
Despite DD’s better form in 2025, this historical edge may boost NRK’s morale heading into the clash.
Pitch and Weather Report
Pitch – Indian Cement Company Ground, Tirunelveli
The surface has offered a balanced contest between bat and ball. However, it gradually becomes more batting-friendly under lights. Teams chasing have won 37 out of 75 matches at this venue, suggesting a slight edge for the side bowling first. Spinners like Sachin Rathi and Varun Chakaravarthy are expected to be effective during the middle overs.
Weather
Conditions in Tirunelveli are expected to be clear and humid, with minimal chances of rain and temperatures ranging between 28–32°C—ideal for an uninterrupted evening of cricket.
Key Players to Watch
⭐ Shivam Singh (DD) – Probable Best Batter
With 245 runs in 5 matches at a jaw-dropping average of 81.67, Shivam Singh has been the rock atop the Dragons’ order. His ability to anchor innings and accelerate when needed makes him a prized wicket for NRK.
⭐ Sachin Rathi (NRK) – Probable Best Bowler
The left-arm spinner has picked up 8 wickets in 5 games at a superb average of 15.38. His spell in the middle overs could well dictate the outcome of the game, especially against DD’s middle order.
⭐ Ravichandran Ashwin (DD)
Skipper, strike bowler, and pinch-hitter — Ashwin is wearing multiple hats. With 6 wickets and 185 runs in just 5 outings, he remains one of the most impactful players this season.
Recent Performances
Dindigul Dragons – Last Match
- Opponent: Salem Spartans
- Result: Won by 2 wickets
- Top Performers:
- Shivam Singh – 45
- Hunny Saini – 35
- Ashwin – 30 & 1 wicket
Nellai Royal Kings – Last Match
- Opponent: Lyca Kovai Kings
- Result: Lost by 67 runs
- Top Performer:
- Muhammed Adnan Khan – 26
- Sonu Yadav – 2 wickets
Statistical Leaders (TNPL 2025)
Most Runs (TNPL 2025)
- Tushar Raheja – 351
- Baba Aparajith – 295
- Shivam Singh – 245
- Ravichandran Ashwin – 185
- Arun Karthik (NRK) – 163
Most Wickets (TNPL 2025)
- Sonu Yadav (NRK) – 12
- Abhishek Tanwar – 12
- Sachin Rathi (NRK) – 8
- Ashwin (DD) – 6
- Varun Chakaravarthy (DD) – 6
Fantasy Tips & Match Prediction
Toss Prediction:
- Nellai Royal Kings to win the toss and choose to bowl first.
Scenario 1 – NRK Bowling First:
- Dindigul Dragons to score: 170–180
- Match Result: Dindigul Dragons to win
Scenario 2 – NRK Batting First:
- Nellai Royal Kings to score: 150–160
- Match Result: Dindigul Dragons to win
Player of the Match:
- Ravichandran Ashwin – with both bat and ball
Final Thoughts
Despite a perfect head-to-head record for the Nellai Royal Kings, current form and balance give the Dindigul Dragons a clear edge going into this crucial encounter. The likes of Shivam Singh, Ashwin, and Varun Chakaravarthy make DD a dangerous unit, while NRK will depend heavily on spinners and top-order resilience to pull off an upset.
Expect a high-scoring thriller with plenty of spin magic, power hitting, and playoff drama.
Match Prediction: Dindigul Dragons to win and march towards the top of the table.