TNPL 2023: SMP vs NRK Match 3 Prematch Analysis and Predictions

Match Overview

The 3rd match of the Tamil Nadu Premier League will be played between Siechem Madurai Panthers and Nellai Royal Kings at SNR College Cricket Ground in Coimbatore. Siechem found themselves in the top 4 last year while Nellai were the table toppers. Both teams had a wonderful last season but they lost their way at the end. Siechem lost in the eliminator while Nellai lost both qualifiers 1 and 2. 

Pitch Report

This looks like a balanced pitch and the captain would want to bat first and defend the total. We have seen that both the initial matches have been won by batting first.

SMP vs NRK Teams Analysis

Team Siechem Madurai Panthers

They finished third in the TNPL 2022. The impressive all-rounder Washington Sundar who got injured during the IPL 2023, is now available for selection and this would be a big boost for the team’s morale. Hari Nishanth will lead the team and the batting line-up looks in good shape. S Abisek would further add strength to the batting as he played some fine knocks for Salem Spartans in the TNPL 2022. 

Swapnil Singh and Murugan Ashwin would handle the bowling side and their experience should come into play. The spinner Balu Surya could be a game-changer as he took 10 wickets in the last season.

Team Nellai Royal Kings

They were at the top of all in the last season 2022. Baba Aparajith was the captain earlier but he is moved to Chepauk Super Gillies. Therefore, Arun Karthik will take this responsibility. Another star performer Sanjay Yadav is also missed from the squad and he is moved to the Chepauk team too. The team will surely miss the services of these players. S Neranjan, L Suryaprakash and N Rajagopal strengthen the batting unit.

P Sugendhiran has been retained by the franchise and he would want to make the best use of this opportunity. In the bowling department, Sonu Yadav, Sandeep Warrier and Aswin Crist will be the key bowlers to tackle the opposition and get those early breakthroughs.

SMP vs NRK Head-to-Head Records

Both teams have given their all and the battle looks like a balanced one. However, in the last 5 matches, Siechem won 3 and Nellai won 2 respectively.

SMP vs NRK Key Players To Watch

We are taking stats of the season 2022 to understand the performance of a player.

Siechem Madurai Panthers

Nellai Royal Kings

SMP vs NRK Squads

Siechem Madurai Panthers

Hari Nishanth(c), S Karthik(wk), Shijit Chandran, Jagatheesan Kousik, Krish Jain, Murugan Ashwin, Washington Sundar, Balu Surya, Swapnil Singh, V Gowtham, V Aaditya, P Saravanan, Anton A Subikshan, K Deeban Lingesh, Dev Rahul, Sudhan Kandepan, Gurjapneet Singh, Ajay Krishna, M Ayush, S Sri Abisek

Nellai Royal Kings

Arun Karthik(c & wk), Nidhish Rajagopal, Rithik Easwaran, Laxmesha Suryaprakash, P Sugendhiran, Sri Neranjan, SJ Arun Kumar, Karthick Manikandan, Sandeep Warrier, NS Harish, Sonu Yadav, Aswin Crist, S Mohan Prasath, Adithya Arun, M Poiyamozhi, R Mithun, Ajitesh Guruswamy, Emmanuel Cherian, N Kabilan

SMP vs NRK Fantasy Predictions

Siechem Madurai Panthers

Nellai Royal Kings

SMP vs NRK Predicted Playing XI

Siechem Madurai Panthers

Hari Nishanth (c), S Karthik (wk), Jagatheesan Kousik, Shijit Chandran, Krish Jain, Washington Sundar, Balu Surya, P Saravanan, Murugan Ashwin, Gurjapneet Singh and Swapnil Singh

Nellai Royal Kings

Arun Karthik (c and wk), Nidhish Rajagopal, Laxmesha Suryaprakash, Sonu Yadav, Rithik Easwaran, P Sugendhiran, Karthick Manikandan, Sandeep Warrier, Aswin Crist, NS Harish and Adithya Arun.

SMP vs NRK Fantasy Playing XI

Based on the stats above, this could be the fantasy team.

Conclusion

Both teams would want to start their tournament with a win but there is stiff competition and hence it could be a thrilling cricket match for us and sports bettors. Who will win the match today and go ahead in the record books? The fans will wait in anticipation as this is going to be a must-watch match.