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SKM Salem Spartans will be desperate to end their losing streak when they face defending champions IDream Tiruppur Tamizhans in Match 27 of the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) 2026 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Saturday, August 22. The match is scheduled to begin at 3:30 PM local time.
Salem’s campaign has taken a disappointing turn, with the side entering the contest after five consecutive defeats. Their latest setback came against Dindigul Dragons, who registered an 81-run victory after Salem were restricted to 158/8 in a rain-shortened contest. They had previously lost to Chepauk Super Gillies, Siechem Madurai Panthers, Trichy Grand Cholas and VIDA Kovai Kings.
The Spartans will therefore need their experienced players to step up against a Tiruppur side that has won four of its last five games. Salem’s 2026 squad contains several proven TNPL performers, including M Mohammed, Hari Nishanth, Nidhish Rajagopal, S Ajith Ram, Sunny Sandhu and Rajendran Vivek.
With the final playing XI set to be announced at the toss, here is the predicted playing XI of SKM Salem Spartans for Match 27.
Hari Nishanth is expected to open the innings and will have a crucial role in providing Salem with a solid start.
The left-handed batter has considerable experience in domestic T20 cricket and is capable of attacking during the powerplay while also building an innings if early wickets fall.
Against Tiruppur’s new-ball attack, Nishanth will need to be particularly watchful of T Natarajan and R Silambarasan. A strong start from him could give Salem’s middle order some much-needed confidence.
R Kavin could partner Nishanth at the top of the order while also taking responsibility behind the stumps.
The wicketkeeper-batter offers an aggressive option during the powerplay and can keep the scoreboard moving through quick singles and boundary shots.
With Salem struggling for consistency, Kavin’s ability to establish an opening partnership will be important.
Nidhish Rajagopal should occupy the No. 3 position and remains one of Salem’s most dependable batting options.
He was the team’s leading run-scorer in the previous TNPL season, accumulating 252 runs, and was identified as one of Salem’s key players heading into the 2026 campaign.
Rajagopal’s ability to pace an innings makes him particularly important if Salem lose an early wicket. He will be expected to anchor the innings before accelerating during the second half.
S Abishiek is likely to continue in the middle order.
The batter has been part of Salem’s regular squad combination and can provide stability between the top order and the team’s finishers.
With Tiruppur possessing experienced bowlers, Abishiek’s ability to rotate the strike and avoid dot-ball pressure could be vital.
Rajendran Vivek should feature as an attacking middle-order batter.
The right-hander is capable of clearing the boundary and changing the momentum of an innings in a short period. His aggressive approach makes him particularly useful when Salem need to accelerate during the final five overs.
He could also be used as a part-time bowling option depending on the match situation.
S Harish Kumar is expected to provide balance as a batting all-rounder.
His ability to contribute with both bat and ball gives captaincy options to the Salem management. If the top order performs well, Harish Kumar can focus on providing late-innings acceleration; if wickets fall early, he can instead play a stabilising role.
Sunny Sandhu could slot in as the team’s seam-bowling all-rounder.
His ability to hit boundaries down the order gives Salem valuable batting depth, while his medium pace provides another option for the captain.
Against Tiruppur’s deep batting lineup, his ability to bowl a couple of overs could become particularly useful.
S Ajith Ram should be one of Salem’s primary spin-bowling options.
The left-arm spinner is among the recognised names in the Spartans’ squad and has the ability to control the middle overs.
His accuracy will be tested against a Tiruppur batting unit that has been scoring heavily in recent matches. Ajith Ram will need to prevent Pradosh Ranjan Paul and Tushar Raheja from dominating the middle phase.
M Poiyamozhi is likely to feature as a specialist seamer.
He has been a regular part of the Salem bowling setup and provides an important wicket-taking option. His ability to bowl with discipline in the powerplay could be critical against Tiruppur’s aggressive opening combination.
M Mohammed should spearhead Salem’s bowling attack.
The experienced pacer was Salem’s leading wicket-taker in the previous TNPL edition, claiming 12 wickets. He was also highlighted as one of the team’s key players before the 2026 season because of his consistency and control.
His role will be particularly important against Tushar Raheja, Pradosh Paul and the dangerous Tiruppur middle order.
Rahil Shah could complete the XI as another specialist spin option.
His experience gives Salem another bowler capable of operating during the middle overs. If the Chepauk surface offers assistance to spin, Shah could play an important role in restricting Tiruppur’s scoring rate.
Hari Nishanth, R Kavin (wk), Nidhish Rajagopal, S Abishiek, Rajendran Vivek, S Harish Kumar, Sunny Sandhu, S Ajith Ram, M Poiyamozhi, M Mohammed, Rahil Shah
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