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Trichy Grand Cholas will get another opportunity to reach the TNPL 2026 final when they feature in Qualifier 2 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on August 26. The side finished the league stage in second place with five wins from seven matches and earned a direct spot in Qualifier 1 against table-toppers Siechem Madurai Panthers.
However, their Qualifier 1 clash against Madurai was washed out due to rain. Since the Panthers had finished higher in the league standings, they advanced directly to the final, while Trichy received another chance through Qualifier 2.
The Grand Cholas have enjoyed a strong campaign so far, with their batting unit showing considerable depth and K Easwaran emerging as one of the tournament’s leading wicket-takers. Easwaran finished the league stage with 14 wickets, while Trichy’s top order has also produced several important contributions.
Here is the predicted playing XI of Trichy Grand Cholas for Qualifier 2 of TNPL 2026:
K Rajkumar is expected to open the innings for Trichy Grand Cholas.
The experienced batter has been one of the important components of their top order and will be tasked with giving the team a strong start. His ability to find boundaries in the powerplay can put pressure on the opposition bowling attack.
With Trichy likely to face either Vida Kovai Kings or IDream Tiruppur Tamizhans, Rajkumar’s ability to make the most of the fielding restrictions could prove crucial.
Captain and wicketkeeper Jayaraman Suresh Kumar should continue at the top of the order.
Suresh Kumar provides stability to the batting unit and also shoulders the responsibility of leading the side in a crucial knockout fixture. His role becomes even more important in Qualifier 2, where a defeat would end Trichy’s campaign.
Behind the stumps, his experience will also be valuable against an opposition boasting several aggressive batters.
Sanjay Yadav is likely to occupy the No. 3 position.
The left-handed batter can change gears effectively and provides Trichy with a useful option against both pace and spin. His ability to attack once the field spreads makes him an important middle-order component.
Trichy will want Yadav to spend enough time at the crease and build partnerships with the top order.
R Rajkumar should retain his place in the middle order.
The all-rounder brings attacking intent to the batting line-up and can provide useful overs when required. His versatility gives the Grand Cholas greater flexibility, particularly if the match situation demands an extra bowling option.
In a knockout match, players capable of contributing in multiple departments can prove extremely valuable.
S Shyam Sundar is expected to continue in the XI.
The all-rounder adds balance to the side and can play according to the situation. If Trichy lose early wickets, he can focus on rebuilding the innings, while a strong start would allow him to attack more freely.
His ability to contribute with the ball further strengthens the team’s overall combination.
Jafar Jamal should feature as another attacking middle-order option.
Jamal is capable of clearing the boundaries and can be particularly dangerous during the latter stages of an innings. His presence ensures that Trichy have enough firepower beyond their top order.
If the Grand Cholas reach the final five overs with wickets in hand, Jamal could be given the licence to attack.
Jagatheesan Kousik is likely to retain his position as one of Trichy’s key all-rounders.
Kousik offers useful batting depth and provides another bowling option to the captain. His experience in domestic T20 cricket makes him a valuable player in pressure situations.
He could also be entrusted with important overs if the frontline bowlers need support.
Antony Dhas should continue as the team’s seam-bowling all-rounder.
His ability to contribute with both bat and ball gives Trichy plenty of flexibility. Dhas can be used as a change bowler and also possesses the power to hit useful runs down the order.
His role could become particularly important if the pitch at Chepauk offers some assistance to the seamers.
V Athisayaraj Davidson is expected to lead the pace attack alongside K Easwaran.
The left-arm seamer can be difficult to handle because of his angle and variations. He will be particularly important during the powerplay, when Trichy will be looking for early breakthroughs.
Davidson’s ability to bowl at the death could also prove decisive against a strong finishing unit.
M Ganesh Moorthi should continue as one of Trichy’s main spin options.
With the match taking place at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, spin could play a major role, particularly during the middle overs. Ganesh Moorthi’s ability to control the run rate and create pressure will be crucial.
The Grand Cholas could use him to attack the opposition’s middle order rather than simply contain runs.
K Easwaran should complete the predicted XI and will be one of Trichy’s biggest match-winners.
The pacer finished the league stage as the leading wicket-taker with 14 wickets, making him one of the most dangerous bowlers in TNPL 2026.
His ability to pick up wickets at crucial moments has been a major reason behind Trichy’s successful campaign. He will be expected to provide early breakthroughs and could also be entrusted with the death overs.
K Rajkumar, Jayaraman Suresh Kumar (c & wk), Sanjay Yadav, R Rajkumar, S Shyam Sundar, Jafar Jamal, Jagatheesan Kousik, Antony Dhas, V Athisayaraj Davidson, M Ganesh Moorthi, K Easwaran
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