Chepauk Super Gillies vs Dindigul Dragons TNPL 2025: Full Match Review, Highlights & Key Performances
Chepauk Super Gillies vs Dindigul Dragons – A TNPL 2025 Thriller
The Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) has delivered yet another gripping encounter in its 2025 season. The clash between Chepauk Super Gillies (CSG) and Dindigul Dragons (DD) at Salem Cricket Foundation Ground was a showcase of smart strategies, explosive batting, and brilliant bowling. Fans were treated to an action-packed game where momentum swung like a pendulum before Dindigul Dragons emerged victorious by 8 wickets.
Let’s break down this exciting match, analyze key performances, and understand how the game unfolded.
Match Overview
Venue: Salem Cricket Foundation Ground, Salem
Result: Dindigul Dragons won by 8 wickets
Toss: Dindigul Dragons won the toss and chose to bowl
Chepauk Super Gillies Innings – 180/6 in 20 overs
A Wobbly Start
Chepauk Super Gillies began their innings cautiously. Their top order stumbled early as K Aashiq was dismissed for 12 runs off 10 balls, and RS Mokit Hariharan followed soon after, scoring just 4 off 8 deliveries. Both wickets fell during the powerplay, putting pressure on the middle order.
Baba Aparajith’s Steady Hand
At 30/2, the experienced Baba Aparajith walked in and took charge of stabilizing the innings. He played a mature knock, combining caution with aggression, scoring 56 runs from 38 balls. Aparajith’s innings was crucial in building a respectable total. He struck 3 boundaries and 3 sixes, maintaining a healthy strike rate and ensuring the scoreboard kept ticking.
Contributions from the Middle Order
Vijay Shankar chipped in with a valuable 26 runs off 16 balls, playing some classy shots and keeping the pressure on the Dindigul bowlers. N Sunil Krishna’s unbeaten 32 off 18 balls provided the late surge that CSG needed. His aggressive hitting in the death overs added vital runs, pushing the total to a competitive 180/6.
Dindigul Dragons’ Bowling
The star with the ball was Varun Chakravarthy. His four overs were a masterclass in spin bowling, as he picked up 3 wickets for just 25 runs. His variations and tight lines stifled Chepauk’s batters during the middle overs. Sandeep Warrier and Ravichandran Ashwin supported well, claiming one wicket each and keeping things tight at crucial moments.
Dindigul Dragons’ Chase – 158/2 in 17.1 overs
Positive Start
Chasing 181, Dindigul Dragons knew the importance of getting off to a quick start. Opener Shivam Singh played his role by scoring a brisk 13 off 14 balls, providing momentum during the powerplay. Though he fell early, the foundation had been laid for the middle order to take charge.
Ashwin and Indrajith’s Partnership
Ravichandran Ashwin, promoted up the order, played a captain’s knock, scoring 67 runs off 46 balls. His innings was a mix of clever placement, powerful strokes, and smart running between the wickets. Ashwin’s composure and ability to find boundaries at regular intervals kept the required run rate within reach.
Alongside him, Baba Indrajith delivered a match-winning performance. His unbeaten 69 off just 41 deliveries, laced with 3 fours and 5 sixes, ensured Dindigul crossed the finish line comfortably. The pair’s partnership of 90 runs was the backbone of the chase and effectively took the game away from Chepauk.
Controlled Finish
Dindigul completed the chase in 17.1 overs, with 17 balls remaining. Their calm approach under pressure and ability to seize key moments highlighted their batting depth and tactical acumen.
Key Performers
| Player | Performance | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Baba Aparajith (CSG) | 56 (38) | Steadied CSG after early wickets |
| N Sunil Krishna (CSG) | 32* (18) | Provided the late-innings boost |
| Varun Chakravarthy (DD) | 3/25 (4) | Turned the tide in the middle overs |
| Ravichandran Ashwin (DD) | 67 (46) | Anchored the successful chase |
| Baba Indrajith (DD) | 69* (41) | Finished the game in style |
Turning Points
1️⃣ Varun Chakravarthy’s Spell
When Chepauk looked set for a massive score at 100/2 in 12 overs, Chakravarthy’s tight spell brought Dindigul right back into the contest. His variations confused the batters, and his wickets broke the rhythm of CSG’s innings.
2️⃣ Ashwin and Indrajith’s Partnership
Facing a target of 181, Dindigul’s middle-order duo not only absorbed the pressure but also kept the scoreboard moving. Their calculated assault ensured no unnecessary panic during the chase.
3️⃣ Chepauk’s Powerplay Wickets
Losing two early wickets meant CSG had to rebuild rather than accelerate. While Aparajith played a solid innings, the initial momentum loss kept them from reaching a 200+ total.
Tactical Analysis
Chepauk’s Strategy
Choosing to bat first, Chepauk hoped to put runs on the board and apply scoreboard pressure. While they reached a good total, they may look back and feel they fell 15–20 runs short given the conditions and platform they had.
Dindigul’s Game Plan
Bowling first suited Dindigul’s strength in spin, with Chakravarthy and Ashwin leading the attack. During the chase, their plan was simple—build solid partnerships and target key bowlers. The Ashwin-Indrajith stand executed this plan perfectly.
Implications for the Tournament
This win strengthens Dindigul’s position in the points table and builds confidence as they approach the crucial phase of the league stage. For Chepauk, the loss serves as a reminder to refine their death bowling and perhaps rethink middle-overs batting strategies.
Both teams still look strong contenders for the playoffs, and fans can expect more thrilling performances as the TNPL progresses.
FAQs
1️⃣ Who was the Player of the Match?
The Player of the Match was Ravichandran Ashwin for his all-round contribution. His 67-run knock was instrumental in guiding Dindigul to victory, and he also chipped in with a key wicket during Chepauk’s innings.
2️⃣ How did the pitch at Salem play?
The Salem pitch offered good bounce and carry for the pacers early on but gradually became a paradise for spinners. The conditions helped bowlers like Chakravarthy extract turn and bounce, while batters who applied themselves, like Ashwin and Indrajith, were able to score freely once settled.
3️⃣ What does this result mean for Chepauk Super Gillies?
The loss ends Chepauk’s unbeaten streak in TNPL 2025. However, they remain among the top teams in the league. The result might prompt them to re-examine their bowling combinations and powerplay strategies as they prepare for the next fixtures.
Final Thoughts
The Chepauk Super Gillies vs Dindigul Dragons match was a fine example of high-quality domestic T20 cricket. It showcased the depth of talent in Tamil Nadu and highlighted the importance of adapting tactics to conditions. Dindigul’s clinical chase underlined their championship credentials, while Chepauk will look to bounce back stronger.
Fans will eagerly await the next chapter in what promises to be an exciting TNPL season.
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