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Dindigul Dragons will be aiming to return to winning ways when they face VIDA Kovai Kings in Match 25 of the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) 2026 at the NPR College Ground in Dindigul on Friday, August 21. The fixture comes at an important stage of the league phase, with both teams needing points to strengthen their playoff prospects.
The Dragons have endured an inconsistent campaign so far. They were sitting seventh in the points table with two wins from five matches ahead of their previous fixture, according to a recent form guide. However, their batting unit has already demonstrated its enormous potential this season. Dindigul smashed 239/6 against Salem Spartans earlier in the competition, before winning the contest by 81 runs.
VIDA Kovai Kings, meanwhile, will enter the contest with confidence after registering a commanding victory in their previous outing. The Kings have several dangerous players in their ranks, meaning Dindigul will need a well-balanced combination to counter their opponents.
1. Shivam Singh
Shivam Singh is expected to continue as one of Dindigul’s opening batters. The right-hander is capable of playing aggressively during the Powerplay and can put pressure on opposition bowlers before they settle into their rhythm.
His ability to find boundaries early will be important against a Kovai attack that contains several quality options. Dindigul will want Shivam to provide the kind of brisk start that allows their middle order to play with greater freedom.
2. V K Vineeth
V K Vineeth is likely to partner Shivam at the top of the order. The experienced batter provides stability while also possessing the ability to accelerate when required.
His role could become particularly important if Dindigul lose an early wicket. Vineeth’s experience should allow him to absorb pressure and build partnerships, giving the Dragons a solid platform.
3. Baba Indrajith (C & WK)
Baba Indrajith remains the central figure in Dindigul’s batting lineup and should continue to captain the side while keeping wickets. The experienced campaigner has already shown his destructive ability in TNPL 2026.
He smashed 73 off just 25 balls during Dindigul’s huge total against Salem, demonstrating how quickly he can take control of a T20 innings. His combination of experience, leadership and strokeplay makes him one of the most important players in the XI.
Against Kovai, Indrajith will be expected to anchor the innings if wickets fall early while also taking advantage of favourable matchups.
4. Vimal Khumar
Vimal Khumar should continue in the middle order. He provides another attacking option and can rotate the strike effectively before shifting gears during the latter stages of the innings.
With Indrajith likely to bat at No. 3, Vimal’s responsibility will be to build partnerships and ensure that the scoring rate does not drop during the middle overs.
5. Hunny
Hunny is expected to retain his place as an important all-round option. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball gives the Dragons greater flexibility when constructing their innings and managing their bowling resources.
He could be particularly valuable if Dindigul need quick runs towards the end of the innings.
6. Mohit Mittan
Mohit Mittan could slot into the lower middle order and provide Dindigul with additional power-hitting ability. He was one of the team’s key auction acquisitions ahead of the 2026 season. The Dragons’ squad includes him alongside several retained players from their previous campaign.
His ability to contribute with the ball further enhances the team’s balance.
7. R K Jayant
R K Jayant should continue as one of Dindigul’s utility players. He offers the captain another option with the ball while also possessing the ability to contribute valuable runs lower down the order.
Against a strong Kovai batting lineup, having multiple bowling options could be crucial.
8. P Bhuvaneswaran
P Bhuvaneswaran is expected to retain his place as one of the Dragons’ specialist bowlers. The seamer was among Dindigul’s squad additions at the 2026 auction and has featured in their bowling plans this season.
His ability to bowl hard lengths and maintain pressure will be important against the aggressive Kovai top order.
9. Nirankar Sharma
Nirankar Sharma should feature as another bowling option. He was also signed by Dindigul at the 2026 auction and has been part of the team’s bowling combination.
His role could be especially significant during the middle overs, when Dindigul will look to prevent Kovai’s batters from accelerating.
10. B K Kishore
B K Kishore is likely to complete the spin options in the XI. His inclusion provides variation to a bowling attack that otherwise contains several seamers and all-rounders.
If the surface at Dindigul offers assistance to spin, Kishore could become a major factor in the middle overs.
11. Sandeep Warrier
Sandeep Warrier should lead the pace attack. The experienced seamer was retained by Dindigul for the 2026 season and remains one of the most reliable bowling options in the squad.
Warrier’s ability to bowl in the Powerplay and return during the death overs gives captain Indrajith an experienced option against Kovai’s dangerous batters.
Dindigul Dragons’ predicted playing XI
Shivam Singh, V K Vineeth, Baba Indrajith (C & WK), Vimal Khumar, Hunny, Mohit Mittan, R K Jayant, P Bhuvaneswaran, Nirankar Sharma, B K Kishore, Sandeep Warrier
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