The Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) has become a vibrant platform for unearthing domestic talent and providing thrilling cricketing action to fans across the state. Among the teams that have made a lasting impression in the league’s history is the Siechem Madurai Panthers. Representing the culturally rich city of Madurai, the Panthers are a team known for their passionate fan base, gritty performances, and resurgence from a rocky start to championship glory. Having gone winless for two consecutive seasons at...
The Siechem Madurai Panthers were introduced as one of the original franchises when the TNPL was inaugurated in 2016. However, their initial years were anything but fruitful. They went through the first two seasons (2016 and 2017) without registering a single win, and were widely seen as the underperforming side of the league.
But in 2018, under the inspirational leadership of D Rohit and with a fresh squad of young and hungry players, the Panthers completely flipped the script. They stormed through the group stages and eventually defeated Siechem Madurai Panthers in a dominant final to claim their first TNPL title. The victory wasn’t just about silverware; it was a symbol of their revival.
In the following years, the Panthers have consistently remained competitive, often reaching the playoffs and nurturing players who’ve gone on to achieve higher honors in Indian domestic cricket. Their success in identifying and developing young local talent has earned them both credibility and admiration.
The Panthers’ TNPL journey is one of the most inspiring in the league's short history. Here's a look at their season-by-season journey:
2016 & 2017: Failed to win a single game. These two seasons were extremely challenging, and the team was widely written off.
2018: A breakthrough year where the Panthers won the title, defeating Siechem Madurai Panthers by 7 wickets in the final. Key players like Arun Karthik and Abhishek Tanwar stood out.
2019: Continued their strong performance by reaching the playoffs.
2021 & 2022: The Panthers qualified for the playoffs in both seasons, showcasing consistency and competitive spirit.
2023 & 2024: The team remained in the mid-table zone but couldn’t progress deep into the tournament, prompting a fresh rebuilding approach.
Now in TNPL 2025, the Panthers will look to recapture their 2018 magic and compete strongly for the title.
For TNPL 2025, Siechem Madurai Panthers have revealed a strong and fine squad that includes experienced players like NS Chaturvedi, Balachander Anirudh and Murugan Ashwin. Strong batsmen, talented all-rounders like Atiq Ur Rahman and Shankar Ganesh and a versatile bowling group like Karthik Meiyappan, Gurjapaneet Singh and Surya Anand are all part of the team.
Young players like P Vignesh and Deepesh Devendran bring promising depth to the lineup. Madurai Panthers are set for a competitive season in the Tamil Nadu Premier League 2025 with spin and pace options as well as both right and left-handed batting styles.
Under the guidance of Head Coach R. Srinivasan, the Siechem Madurai Panthers have an experienced support staff for TNPL 2025. With knowledgeable coaches like G. Mahadevan, who handles fielding, and B. Arun, who serves as the bowling coach, the Panthers are well-prepared. During the Tamil Nadu Premier League 2025 season, the team will have full support on and off the field thanks to the presence of a committed physiotherapist, team manager, and analyst.
TNPL 2025 began on June 5 and Siechem Madurai Panthers will play 7 league matches in Coimbatore, Salem, Tirunelveli, and Dindigul, results and venues of which will be updated.
A seasoned cricketer with vast experience in domestic and franchise cricket, Arun Karthik has been the face of Siechem Madurai Panthers for several seasons. His calm presence at the crease, combined with his ability to play impactful knocks under pressure, made him one of the most reliable batters for the franchise.
Arun was instrumental in the Panthers’ maiden title triumph in the 2018 TNPL season. Serving as the team’s anchor, he often took on the responsibility of guiding the innings, especially during tough chases. With a wealth of experience behind him, his leadership and mentorship have helped groom several younger players in the side.
Left-arm spinner Rahil Shah was a vital part of the Panthers' bowling unit during their title-winning 2018 campaign. Known for his accuracy and ability to extract turn even on flat wickets, Rahil often strangled opposition batters during the middle overs.
His knack for picking up crucial wickets while maintaining a tight economy made him one of the most dependable spinners in the league. Rahil’s experience in the domestic circuit translated well into the TNPL, and his performances were a key factor in Madurai’s rise as a competitive force in the tournament.
A quality all-rounder who made key contributions with both bat and ball, Jagatheesan Kousik was a mainstay in the Panthers lineup during their peak years. Whether it was accelerating the scoring rate in the death overs or delivering tight spells with the ball, Kousik proved his worth in crunch situations.
His match-winning knock in the 2018 final against Siechem Madurai Panthers remains one of the most memorable moments in the Panthers' history. Kousik’s versatility and temperament under pressure earned him a reputation as one of the most complete players in the team’s history.
One of the newer stars to emerge from the Madurai Panthers setup, R Mithun has steadily
evolved into a key all-rounder for the franchise. His powerful hitting lower down the order and knack for breaking partnerships with his medium pace have added great value to the side.
Mithun has been one of the Panthers’ top performers in the 2023 and 2024 seasons. His ability to deliver in both departments has seen him take on a leadership role within the team, making him one of the franchise’s most dependable assets in recent campaigns.
A pace spearhead for the Panthers, Ajay Krishna has impressed with his ability to bowl tight lines and pick up crucial wickets, particularly during the death overs. His aggressive bowling style and control under pressure have made him a go-to option in crunch situations.
Krishna's performances in the 2024 TNPL season have further cemented his place as a key bowler in the lineup. His contributions with the ball have often given the Panthers the upper hand in tightly contested games.
The biggest milestone in the Panthers’ history came in 2018, when they completed a fairy-tale comeback from a winless side to TNPL champions. Since then, they've built a reputation as tough competitors who can take down any side on their day.
Their player development, especially in bowling, has been notable, with several names like Tanwar, Saravana Kumar, and Kousik gaining recognition in domestic circuits.
The Siechem Madurai Panthers are owned by Siechem Technologies, a leading wire and cable manufacturer in India. The company took over ownership with the intention of using the cricket platform to connect with youth and promote sports culture in Tamil Nadu.
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