VIDA Kovai Kings have booked their place in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) 2026 final after producing a dominant performance against Trichy Grand Cholas in Qualifier 2. The Kovai-based franchise registered an emphatic 84-run victory at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Wednesday, August 26, to set up a title clash against table-toppers Madurai Panthers.

The final will be played on August 28 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, with Madurai Panthers reaching the summit clash by virtue of finishing at the top of the league-stage standings.

VIDA Kovai Kings will head into the final with plenty of confidence. They posted 183/5 against Trichy before bowling them out for just 99. K Deeban Lingesh was the star with the ball, taking three wickets with the first three deliveries of Trichy’s innings, while Suresh Lokeshwar played a crucial knock with the bat. 

With little reason to alter a winning combination, VIDA Kovai Kings are likely to retain the same core for the final.

1. Suresh Lokeshwar (WK)

Suresh Lokeshwar is expected to open the innings and keep wickets for Kovai Kings.

The right-hander has been one of their dependable top-order options throughout the tournament. His ability to rotate the strike and find boundaries makes him an ideal partner for an aggressive batter at the other end.

Lokeshwar’s contribution in Qualifier 2 will also boost his confidence ahead of the final. He will be keen to provide another strong start against a Madurai bowling attack that has performed consistently throughout the season.

2. S Radhakrishnan

S Radhakrishnan should continue at the top of the order.

The left-hander offers a useful combination of strokeplay and stability. His role will be particularly important in the Powerplay, where Kovai will want to maximise the field restrictions without losing too many wickets.

Radhakrishnan has already shown that he can provide fast starts, and a substantial contribution from him would allow the middle order to play with greater freedom.

3. Balasubramaniam Sachin

Balasubramaniam Sachin is arguably the most important batter in Kovai’s lineup.

The right-hander has been their leading run-scorer in TNPL 2026 and had accumulated 377 runs before Qualifier 2, according to pre-match statistics. 

Sachin’s ability to construct an innings before shifting gears makes him a crucial component of the batting unit. He also scored 77 off 45 balls earlier in the tournament against Chepauk Super Gillies, demonstrating his ability to accelerate once settled. 

Kovai will hope Sachin can produce another big knock in the final.

4. Andre Siddarth

Andre Siddarth is likely to continue in the middle order.

The young batter adds flexibility to the lineup and can play according to the situation. If Kovai lose early wickets, he can help rebuild the innings; if the openers provide a strong platform, he can attack the bowlers.

His ability to handle pressure could be crucial in a high-stakes final against Madurai.

5. RS Ambrish

RS Ambrish should retain his place as an all-round option.

His presence provides additional balance to the XI, allowing captain Shahrukh Khan to use him according to the match situation. Ambrish can contribute with both bat and ball and therefore gives Kovai greater flexibility.

Against a strong Madurai batting lineup, having multiple bowling options could prove particularly valuable.

6. Shahrukh Khan (C)

Captain Shahrukh Khan will once again be the biggest finishing threat in the Kovai lineup.

The powerful all-rounder has the ability to change a game within a few overs and is particularly dangerous in the death overs. His six-hitting ability makes him an important player whenever Kovai need a late acceleration.

Shahrukh has already demonstrated his destructive capabilities this season. In a rain-reduced game against Dindigul Dragons, he smashed 59 off just 18 deliveries. 

His leadership will also be crucial against a Madurai side that finished first in the league stage.

7. P Vidyuth

P Vidyuth is expected to retain his place in the lower order.

The left-arm bowling option provides Kovai with another player capable of contributing with the ball while adding depth to the batting lineup.

His ability to bowl economically through the middle overs could be particularly useful against Madurai’s aggressive batters.

8. K Deeban Lingesh

K Deeban Lingesh has emerged as one of Kovai’s most important players during the latter stages of the tournament.

The bowling all-rounder was sensational in Qualifier 2, taking three wickets from the first three deliveries of Trichy’s innings. 

He also entered the knockout stage as one of the team’s leading wicket-takers. His ability to strike in crucial moments makes him a key component of Shahrukh’s bowling plans.

9. G Kishoor

G Kishoor should continue as another bowling all-rounder.

His versatility gives the captain an additional tactical option, particularly during the middle overs. Against Madurai’s strong batting lineup, Kishoor could be asked to bowl a containing spell and restrict the flow of runs.

10. Jhathavedh Subramanyan

Jhathavedh Subramanyan is expected to retain his position as one of Kovai’s specialist spinners.

He has been among the leading wicket-takers for the franchise and had 13 wickets before Qualifier 2, according to the team’s pre-match statistics. 

His ability to bowl attacking spells in the middle overs will be vital against Madurai’s batting-heavy lineup.

11. Manimaran Siddharth

Manimaran Siddharth should complete the XI as the specialist seamer.

His role will be to provide early breakthroughs and complement the spin options available to Shahrukh. With Madurai possessing several aggressive top-order batters, Siddharth’s Powerplay spell could have a major bearing on the final.

VIDA Kovai Kings Predicted Playing XI

Suresh Lokeshwar (WK), S Radhakrishnan, Balasubramaniam Sachin, Andre Siddarth, RS Ambrish, Shahrukh Khan (C), P Vidyuth, K Deeban Lingesh, G Kishoor, Jhathavedh Subramanyan, Manimaran Siddharth