SKM Salem Spartans will look to finally open their account in the Tamil Nadu Premier League 2026 when they take on Dindigul Dragons at the NPR College Ground in Dindigul on Friday, August 14. The Spartans have endured a difficult start to their campaign, losing each of their first four matches, while the Dragons have managed one victory from their opening four games.

Salem have plenty of experienced players in their 2026 squad, including Hari Nishaanth, Nidhish Rajagopal, Sunny Sandhu, Mohammed Mohammed, Rahil Shah and M Poiyamozhi. The challenge will be finding the right combination after a series of disappointing results.

With the tournament moving quickly, the Spartans could retain several players from their recent XI while making tactical adjustments to strengthen both their batting and bowling departments.

1. Hari Nishaanth

Hari Nishaanth is expected to open the innings and will have a major responsibility at the top of the order. The left-hander has considerable experience in the TNPL and remains one of Salem’s most accomplished batting options.

With the Spartans struggling for consistency, Nishaanth’s ability to provide a strong start could be crucial. He will need to be particularly aggressive during the powerplay while ensuring that Salem do not lose early wickets.

2. S Abishiek

S Abishiek should partner Nishaanth at the top. The right-hander has been a regular part of Salem’s batting unit and offers the ability to rotate the strike while also finding boundaries.

Abishiek’s contribution will be important if the Spartans are to put pressure on Dindigul’s bowlers from the outset.

3. Nidhish Rajagopal

Nidhish Rajagopal could slot into the middle order at No. 3. The all-rounder is capable of controlling the innings after an early wicket while accelerating when the situation demands.

His ability to play according to the match situation makes him an important part of Salem’s batting structure.

4. Boopathi Kumar

Boopathi Kumar is another player who could feature in the middle order. The batter provides Salem with another option capable of building partnerships and increasing the tempo later in the innings.

The Spartans will want their middle order to convert starts into substantial contributions after failing to consistently build big totals in their opening matches.

5. Rajendran Vivek

Rajendran Vivek should continue as an all-round option. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball gives Salem some much-needed flexibility.

Vivek could become particularly important if the pitch offers assistance to slower bowlers, while his batting can add depth to the lineup.

6. Eshwar M (wk)

Eshwar M could get the wicketkeeping duties. The 2026 Salem squad also includes R Kavin as another wicketkeeping option, giving the team a selection call behind the stumps. 

Eshwar’s inclusion would provide another batting option in the lower middle order while allowing Salem to maintain depth across departments.

7. Sunny Sandhu

Sunny Sandhu is likely to occupy the all-rounder’s role at No. 7. He has been one of the more experienced members of the Salem squad and can contribute valuable runs in the latter stages.

His medium pace also gives the captain another option if the frontline bowlers struggle to contain Dindigul’s batters.

8. S Harish Kumar

S Harish Kumar could be the next all-round option. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball gives Salem further balance.

Harish Kumar’s role may become particularly important during the middle overs, where Salem will need to prevent Dindigul’s aggressive batters from taking control.

9. Mohammed Mohammed

Mohammed Mohammed should spearhead the pace attack. The right-arm bowler has been one of Salem’s key bowling options and will be expected to provide breakthroughs with the new ball.

His ability to attack the stumps and bowl disciplined lengths could be crucial against a Dindigul top order featuring experienced batters.

10. M Poiyamozhi

M Poiyamozhi is another experienced bowling option who should retain his place. He can operate during different phases of the innings and has the variations required to remain effective in T20 cricket.

Salem will need Poiyamozhi to deliver economical spells while also picking up wickets at crucial moments.

11. Rahil Shah

Rahil Shah could complete the XI as the specialist spinner. His left-arm orthodox bowling provides Salem with variety and could be particularly useful at the NPR College Ground.

With the pitch potentially slowing down as the game progresses, Shah’s ability to bowl economical spells could become an important asset.

SKM Salem Spartans Predicted Playing XI

Hari Nishaanth, S Abishiek, Nidhish Rajagopal, Boopathi Kumar, Rajendran Vivek, Eshwar M (wk), Sunny Sandhu, S Harish Kumar, Mohammed Mohammed, M Poiyamozhi, Rahil Shah.