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Trichy Grand Cholas will look to bounce back strongly when they face Chepauk Super Gillies in Match 26 of the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) 2026 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Friday, August 21. With the league stage approaching its business end, every game carries considerable significance for Trichy, who will be keen to put together a complete performance against one of the tournament’s stronger sides.
Trichy have had an eventful campaign so far. They produced a sensational 116-run victory over VIDA Kovai Kings in their previous completed fixture, bowling them out for just 85 after posting 201/6. K Deeban Lingesh and Jhatavedh Subramanyan were among the bowlers who dismantled the Kovai batting order. However, that result belongs to Kovai’s previous campaign context; for Match 26, Trichy’s selection is likely to be built around the core that has featured prominently throughout TNPL 2026.
The Grand Cholas’ 2026 squad is built around several experienced campaigners, including Washington Sundar, Sanjay Yadav, Jafar Jamal, Jagatheesan Kousik and captain J Suresh Kumar. Their official squad also includes bowling options such as P Saravana Kumar, Athisayaraj Davidson, Antony Dhas and Ganesh Moorthi.
1. J Suresh Kumar (C & WK)
Captain J Suresh Kumar is expected to open the innings and take responsibility behind the stumps. The wicketkeeper-batter was retained by Trichy ahead of the 2026 auction and remains one of the central figures in their squad.
His ability to provide a steady start will be important against a Chepauk bowling attack that has several experienced options. Suresh Kumar will also have the additional responsibility of making tactical decisions as captain.
2. T Saran
T Saran could partner Suresh Kumar at the top of the order. The youngster is part of Trichy’s retained core and also offers wicketkeeping cover.
With Chepauk likely to attack with their seamers early, Saran will need to negotiate the Powerplay intelligently while taking advantage of scoring opportunities.
3. Jafar Jamal
Jafar Jamal is expected to occupy the No. 3 position. The aggressive batter was one of Trichy’s marquee retained players ahead of the season and possesses the ability to accelerate the innings once the fielding restrictions are lifted.
His role could be especially important if Trichy lose an early wicket. Jamal can attack spin and pace and will be expected to maintain the scoring rate.
4. J Kousik
Jagatheesan Kousik should continue in the middle order. The experienced all-rounder was another important retention for Trichy and provides balance to the lineup.
Kousik’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball means he gives captain Suresh Kumar another tactical option. Against Chepauk’s strong batting unit, his bowling could prove useful in the middle overs.
5. R Sanjay Yadav
Sanjay Yadav is likely to occupy the No. 5 position. The left-handed all-rounder is one of Trichy’s most dangerous players when it comes to clearing the boundary and can also contribute with his bowling.
He was retained ahead of the 2026 auction, underlining his importance to the franchise. If Trichy need a late acceleration, Sanjay could be one of their primary finishers.
6. M S Washington Sundar
Washington Sundar is arguably the biggest name in Trichy’s squad and could bat around No. 6. The India all-rounder was retained as one of the team’s marquee players and provides quality in both departments.
His ability to bowl economical spells of off-spin could be particularly valuable at Chepauk, where spinners are traditionally expected to play a major role. With the bat, Washington can rotate the strike and accelerate when required.
7. R Rajkumar
R Rajkumar should feature as the team’s seam-bowling all-rounder. His presence gives Trichy additional depth in both departments and allows Suresh Kumar to use him according to the match situation.
Rajkumar could be particularly useful during the death overs, both with his hitting and his medium-pace bowling.
8. P Saravana Kumar
P Saravana Kumar is expected to lead the bowling attack. The left-arm seamer has been a consistent part of Trichy’s plans and was retained ahead of the auction.
His ability to swing the ball and bowl variations later in the innings makes him a valuable asset. Against Chepauk’s powerful top order, Saravana Kumar will be tasked with providing early breakthroughs.
9. V Athisayaraj Davidson
Athisayaraj Davidson should be another specialist pace option. He was among Trichy’s retained players and gives the team a genuine wicket-taking option with the new ball.
His ability to attack the stumps and generate movement could be important against Chepauk’s aggressive openers.
10. M Ganesh Moorthi
M Ganesh Moorthi could feature as the specialist spinner. The left-arm spinner brings experience and can operate during the middle overs to restrict the scoring rate.
His matchup against Chepauk’s middle order could be one of the most intriguing tactical aspects of the game, particularly if the pitch offers assistance to spin.
11. N Selva Kumaran
N Selva Kumaran is likely to complete the XI. The spinner was retained by Trichy and offers another option for captain Suresh Kumar in the middle overs.
His inclusion would give Trichy a varied bowling attack consisting of pace, left-arm spin and Washington Sundar’s off-spin.
Trichy Grand Cholas’ predicted playing XI
J Suresh Kumar (C & WK), T Saran, Jafar Jamal, J Kousik, R Sanjay Yadav, M S Washington Sundar, R Rajkumar, P Saravana Kumar, V Athisayaraj Davidson, M Ganesh Moorthi, N Selva Kumaran
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