Chepauk Super Gillies will look to continue their remarkable start to the Tamil Nadu Premier League 2026 when they face Siechem Madurai Panthers in Match 19 at the NPR College Ground in Dindigul on Friday, August 14. The Super Gillies have emerged as the team to beat in the competition, while Madurai Panthers enter the contest as the league leaders after winning all four of their matches. 

Chepauk have also made an impressive start, remaining unbeaten in their opening matches. Their recent five-wicket victory over SKM Salem Spartans further underlined the depth in their batting unit, with Narayan Jagadeesan smashing 78 off just 39 balls and Swapnil Singh contributing a brisk 45 off 26. 

The Super Gillies have plenty of options in their 2026 squad, including captain Baba Aparajith, Jagadeesan, Vijay Shankar, Swapnil Singh, Abhishek Tanwar and M Silambarasan. With momentum firmly on their side, Chepauk are unlikely to make too many changes to their winning combination.

1. K Aashiq

K Aashiq is likely to continue at the top of the order. The right-handed batter has been one of Chepauk’s preferred attacking options and can make the most of the fielding restrictions during the opening phase.

Against a Madurai attack containing experienced bowlers, Aashiq’s ability to take calculated risks will be important. He will be expected to provide Jagadeesan with a strong platform while ensuring Chepauk do not fall behind the required scoring rate.

2. RS Mokit Hariharan

RS Mokit Hariharan could open alongside Aashiq. The left-handed batter has already shown that he can contribute at a healthy tempo and gives Chepauk a useful left-right combination at the top.

His ability to rotate the strike will be important if Madurai’s bowlers manage to restrict the boundary options. Once settled, Hariharan can shift gears and put pressure back on the opposition.

3. Baba Aparajith (c)

Captain Baba Aparajith is expected to occupy the No. 3 position. He remains one of the most important players in Chepauk’s setup, offering both leadership and considerable batting experience.

Aparajith can play the role of an innings-builder if Chepauk lose an early wicket, while also accelerating when required. His ability to assess conditions will be particularly valuable at the NPR College Ground.

4. Vijay Shankar

Vijay Shankar should slot into the middle order. The experienced all-rounder brings international and IPL experience to a Chepauk side that already possesses considerable batting firepower.

His ability to play both pace and spin makes him a useful option against Madurai’s varied attack. Shankar can also contribute with the ball if captain Aparajith needs an additional bowling option.

5. Narayan Jagadeesan (wk)

Narayan Jagadeesan is likely to continue as wicketkeeper-batter and could once again be Chepauk’s biggest batting threat.

He was sensational in the team’s previous match against Salem, scoring 78 from 39 deliveries during a successful chase. His explosive strokeplay means Madurai will need to devise a clear plan for him.

Jagadeesan’s ability to accelerate in the middle and latter stages also gives Chepauk tremendous flexibility with their batting order.

6. Swapnil Singh

Swapnil Singh has been another important contributor for the Super Gillies. His ability to bowl left-arm spin while also providing destructive lower-order batting makes him a valuable all-round option.

He played an important role in the previous victory over Salem, scoring 45 off 26 balls. If he can reproduce that kind of impact against Madurai, Chepauk will have significant batting depth.

7. Abhishek Tanwar

Abhishek Tanwar should provide another all-round option at No. 7. He gives the side flexibility with the ball and can also clear the boundaries if given an opportunity late in the innings.

His experience in domestic T20 cricket makes him a useful player in pressure situations, particularly when Chepauk need wickets or quick runs.

8. S Dinesh Raj

S Dinesh Raj could continue as another middle-order option. His inclusion gives Chepauk additional batting depth and allows the top order to play with greater freedom.

If Madurai’s spinners make breakthroughs in the middle overs, Dinesh Raj could be called upon to rebuild the innings before launching an attack towards the end.

9. TD Lokesh Raj

TD Lokesh Raj is likely to lead the pace-bowling department. The right-arm seamer has been part of Chepauk’s regular combination and can operate in different phases of the innings.

His primary responsibility will be to strike early and then return during the latter stages to restrict Madurai’s scoring.

10. Prem Kumar

Prem Kumar should partner Lokesh Raj in the pace attack. He has the ability to bowl disciplined lengths and can make use of any assistance available from the surface.

With Madurai possessing several aggressive batters, Prem will need to avoid giving them easy scoring opportunities.

11. M Silambarasan

M Silambarasan could complete the XI as the specialist spinner. His inclusion provides Chepauk with an important variation in the bowling attack.

Silambarasan can be particularly useful in the middle overs, when the pitch begins to slow down and batters are forced to take greater risks against spin.

Chepauk Super Gillies Predicted Playing XI

K Aashiq, RS Mokit Hariharan, Baba Aparajith (c), Vijay Shankar, Narayan Jagadeesan (wk), Swapnil Singh, Abhishek Tanwar, S Dinesh Raj, TD Lokesh Raj, Prem Kumar, M Silambarasan.