Nellai Royal Kings Team Profile: History, Records and Achievements

Nellai Royal Kings Team History

The Nellai Royal Kings were introduced to the Tamil Nadu Premier League in 2016 as one of the eight founding teams. In their initial years, the team struggled to find consistency and often ended their campaigns in the bottom half of the table. However, a significant turnaround began in the 2021 season, where they reached the playoffs and showcased a more aggressive, fearless brand of cricket.

It was in the 2022 season that the Nellai Royal Kings truly arrived on the TNPL map. Under the leadership of experienced players and a tactically sound coaching staff, the team topped the league stage with a dominant performance, registering the highest win percentage. Although they fell short in the playoffs, the foundation for future success was firmly laid.

The team’s steady growth is attributed to its player development programs, data-driven strategies, and a strong leadership core. Players such as Baba Aparajith, Sanjay Yadav, and Laxmesha Suryaprakash have been instrumental in the rise of the franchise.

Heading into TNPL 2025, the Nellai Royal Kings are determined to translate their consistent performances into a championship victory.

Nellai Royal Kings TNPL Journey

In the initial years from 2016 - 2020 the Nellai Royal Kings had a topsy turvy tenure. It was a learning curve for the Royal Kings. Despite showing glimpses of talent, the team lacked the depth and experience to compete consistently. Frequent changes in leadership and squad composition didn’t help their cause either.

But 2021, marked a significant improvement in the team’s fortunes. Led by Baba Aparajith, the Royal Kings reached the playoffs and displayed a disciplined approach to both batting and bowling. Their performance was built on all-rounders delivering in crunch situations. 2022 was a breakthrough year for Nellai. The team finished at the top of the league table and looked like strong contenders for the title. Sanjay Yadav was the standout performer of the season, amassing runs at a blistering strike rate and picking up key wickets. However, the team faltered in the knockouts. The Royal Kings maintained their strong performances, regularly qualifying for the playoffs. They strengthened their bowling unit and invested in young batters. Although they missed the final by narrow margins, their consistency was admired by fans and pundits alike.

With a blend of experience and youth, the Royal Kings have assembled a squad capable of going the distance in 2025. Their focus remains on delivering under pressure and finally lifting their maiden TNPL trophy.

Nellai Royal Kings Tamil Nadu Premier League 2025 Squad 

For TNPL 2025, Nellai Royal Kings have built a team that is fully prepared and includes both experienced players and emerging talent. Along with talented young players like Guruswamy Ajitesh and Rithik Eshwaran, the key players include experienced players like Sonu Yadav and Arun Karthik. With versatile all-rounders like NS Harish and PS Nirmal Kumar, the team has depth in batting, spin and pace. Bowlers like Valliappan Yudheeswaran, Sachin Rathi and Emmanuel Cherian have strengthened the bowling unit. Nellai Royal Kings hope to have a successful season in the Tamil Nadu Premier League 2025 by strategically combining youth and experience.

Nellai Royal Kings Support Staff 2025

Nellai Royal Kings Tamil Nadu Premier League 2025 Schedule and Results

Nellai Royal Kings started their Tamil Nadu Premier League 2025 campaign by defeating Trichy Grand Cholas and losing to Chepauk Super Gillies. They have seven league games planned in Coimbatore, Salem, Tirunelveli and Dindigul. As the season progresses, fans will stay tuned with all the match results and venue updates, including important matchups against teams like Lyca Kovai Kings, Dindigul Dragons and Madurai Panthers.

Notable Players Who Have Played for Nellai Royal Kings

1. Baba Aparajith

A seasoned campaigner and a consistent performer in the Tamil Nadu cricket circuit, Baba Aparajith has been a pillar for the Nellai Royal Kings across multiple seasons. The right-handed batter and off-spinning all-rounder has brought immense experience and composure to the squad. Aparajith’s ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when needed made him a crucial figure in Nellai’s batting line-up. Often entrusted with leadership responsibilities, his calm demeanor and cricketing IQ have guided the side through tight contests.

In the 2022 and 2023 seasons, Aparajith played several match-defining knocks and also chipped in with crucial breakthroughs, underlining his value as a genuine all-rounder. He remains one of the most dependable players to have donned the Nellai jersey.

2. Sanjay Yadav

Explosive with the bat and effective with the ball, Sanjay Yadav has been one of the biggest match-winners for the Nellai Royal Kings. The left-handed all-rounder lit up the 2022 TNPL season with his breathtaking stroke play, finishing as one of the top scorers of the tournament. His ability to clear the ropes at will and dominate the opposition spinners made him a fan favorite.

With the ball, his left-arm orthodox spin brought vital breakthroughs in the middle overs, offering the captain a reliable bowling option. Sanjay’s heroics played a significant role in helping Nellai top the league stage in 2022, making him one of the most influential players in the franchise’s history.

3. Laxmesha Suryaprakash

A reliable top-order batter, Laxmesha Suryaprakash has served as the engine room of Nellai’s batting across seasons. Known for his solid technique and temperament, Suryaprakash has been entrusted with seeing off the new ball and providing the foundation for bigger totals. He was particularly impressive in the 2021 and 2022 seasons, where his consistent run-making allowed stroke-makers in the middle order to play freely.

Though not flashy, his methodical approach has helped Nellai in many pressure situations, especially in low-scoring games on tricky surfaces.

4. Athisayaraj Davidson

Among the most lethal fast bowlers to represent the Nellai Royal Kings, Athisayaraj Davidson has been a pace spearhead for the team. Capable of bowling with pace and swing, Davidson has often struck early blows that have rattled opposition top-orders. His aggressive body language and attacking lines made him a go-to bowler, especially in the powerplay and death overs.

His performances in the 2021 and 2023 seasons were instrumental in turning the tide in several games, and he remains a key figure in the franchise’s bowling history.

Nellai Royal Kings Achievements and Records

Nellai Royal Kings have established themselves in the Tamil Nadu Premier League with their impressive performances over the last few years. Their highest team score was 209/3 against Salem Spartans, and they registered six consecutive wins during their best season. Despite making it to the playoffs three times, they are yet to reach the final. Sanjay Yadav dominates with 31 wickets, 103* being the highest score and 47 sixes, while Baba Aparajith leads the batting charts with 968 runs. Lakshmesha Suryaprakash leads the fielding statistics with 19 catches, while R Athiayaraj Davidson has the best bowling figures with 5/21.

Nellai Royal Kings Team Records

Nellai Royal Kings Individual Records

Nellai Royal Kings Ownership and Sponsors

Nellai Royal Kings Owners

The Nellai Royal Kings are owned by Crown Forts Limited that is led by Prithvi Chrysty. The ownership group has shown a strong commitment towards nurturing young talent, investing in facilities, and growing the franchise's brand across Tamil Nadu. Their vision is to make Nellai a powerhouse in TNPL through strategic planning, scouting, and community engagement

Tamil Nadu Premier League 2025 Sponsors