The Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) continues to be a breeding ground for local cricketing excellence, unearthing hidden talent and offering a competitive platform to players across Tamil Nadu. One of the league’s most spirited teams is the Trichy Grand Cholas. Representing the culturally rich city of Tiruchirapalli (Trichy), the franchise has showcased resilience, passion, and the hunger to grow season after season. Though yet to taste the glory of a TNPL title, the Trichy Grand Cholas have been...
Originally introduced as Ruby Trichy Warriors in the inaugural TNPL season in 2016, the franchise underwent a rebranding and emerged as the Trichy Grand Cholas. Despite undergoing changes in identity and leadership over the years, their commitment to competitive cricket has never wavered.
The early seasons were tough for the side, with inconsistent performances and frequent changes in the playing XI. However, with time, the franchise adopted a long-term approach, focusing on grooming local talent and retaining a core group of players. The transition phase also saw improvements in strategic planning, coaching staff, and match temperament.
While a title continues to elude them, the Grand Cholas’ underdog spirit and ability to punch above their weight have won them respect from both fans and rivals.
The team’s journey in TNPL has been a roller-coaster ride. In the initial years as Ruby Trichy Warriors, the side failed to progress beyond the league stages. However, their most improved campaign came in TNPL 2021, where they reached the semi-finals, led by some standout performances with both bat and ball.
Since then, the team has focused on building a solid foundation. In TNPL 2023, they showed glimpses of brilliance but were undone by narrow margins in must-win games. TNPL 2024 saw further consolidation, with the likes of R Rajkumar and Ganga Sridhar Raju playing vital roles. However, inconsistency in the middle order and an over-reliance on a few players prevented a deep run into the playoffs.
With a refreshed unit for TNPL 2025, the Trichy Grand Cholas have made strategic additions and are poised to surprise their critics.
With important players like Washington Sundar, Sanjay Yadav and Jaffer Jamal, the Trichy Grand Cholas TNPL 2025 squad has a balanced mix of youth and experience. The team is a strong contender for this season as it has a varied bowling attack, reliable wicketkeepers and good all-rounders.
The Trichy Grand Cholas support staff for TNPL 2025 is led by team head Susunath Thangavel, with former Indian fast bowler Tinu Yohannan playing the role of both head coach and bowling coach. Nathan SP is playing the role of assistant coach and batting coach, while Guruprasad Sundaresan is handling strength and conditioning duties. Ateeq ur Rahman has been appointed as the team's physiotherapist. With an experienced coaching setup, Trichy Grand Cholas aim to perform strongly in the upcoming TNPL 2025 season.
Though a TNPL title remains elusive, the Trichy Grand Cholas have achieved several milestones and have consistently contributed to the development of state-level talent.
A household name in Indian cricket, Washington Sundar’s presence in the Trichy Grand Cholas setup brought a great deal of credibility and star power to the franchise. Known for his composed off-spin and handy lower-order batting, Sundar added balance to the Trichy side during his stint. His ability to choke runs in the middle overs and strike key blows made him an asset, especially in tight matches. Sundar's international experience helped nurture the younger players in the squad, making him an inspirational figure both on and off the field. His all-round abilities ensured that Trichy remained competitive in the seasons he featured.
One of the most explosive all-rounders in domestic cricket, Sanjay Yadav made a significant impact during his time with the Trichy Grand Cholas. Known for his hard-hitting batting and left-arm spin, Sanjay’s versatility made him a crucial component of the team. He consistently delivered with the bat in the lower middle order, often providing late flourishes that changed the course of games. With the ball, his ability to turn matches around with quick wickets or economical spells made him a fan favorite. His performances in the TNPL also played a key role in enhancing his reputation as a T20 all-rounder.
A reliable and steady presence, Jagatheesan Kousik has been a core part of the Trichy Grand Cholas team across multiple seasons. As a seam-bowling all-rounder, Kousik has often stepped up in pressure situations, contributing vital runs with the bat and delivering tight overs with the ball. His discipline and adaptability have made him one of the go-to players for the franchise. Whether anchoring the innings or delivering the crucial 18th over, Kousik’s value to the Grand Cholas setup is unquestionable. His leadership qualities have also stood out, making him a guiding force for many youngsters.
An experienced campaigner, Jafar Jamal brought stability and maturity to Trichy’s middle order. With his crisp strokeplay and ability to rotate the strike, Jafar provided the glue that held the batting lineup together. His right-arm medium pace added a secondary bowling option, making him a true utility player. Jamal’s experience has been invaluable in guiding the side through difficult phases, and his presence in the dressing room has always been a calming influence. Known for delivering in clutch moments, he’s one of the franchise’s unsung heroes.
A seasoned all-rounder and a TNPL stalwart, Antony Dhas played a pivotal role during his time with Trichy Grand Cholas. His powerful batting and medium pace made him a dual threat capable of turning games singlehandedly. Often used as a finisher, Dhas's late-inning blitzes provided crucial momentum, while his bowling in the death overs helped seal several wins. His passion and energy on the field made him a crowd-puller and a respected senior in the squad. Dhas’ contributions were vital in shaping Trichy’s competitive spirit in the league.
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