TNPL-10: Tight margins as league shifts to Chennai

On August 17, 2026 in Chennai, the Tamil Nadu Premier League's 10th edition moved to the city for the business end of the competition after 20 matches, with very little separating the sides.

Only Net Run Rate (NRR) separates the second-placed team and the fifth-placed outfit as the eight sides arrive in Chennai for their last two league fixtures before the knockouts; only SKM Salem Spartans remain without a point after five matches. Taking the first strike at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium on Tuesday are Chepauk Super Gillies and Vida Kovai Kings — Chepauk are the best placed among the teams on six points while Kovai sit sixth despite boasting the best NRR. Kovai’s superior NRR was boosted by a 116-run win over Trichy Grand Cholas on the final day of the Dindigul leg, and Super Gillies arrive in Chepauk after handing Madurai Panthers their only loss.

Kovai Kings captain Shahrukh Khan acknowledged that his team was in a must-win situation. “We’re not looking at other teams. We’re in a tough spot after the three losses. Our focus is to win two games and not look at the run rate. Our NRR is way better than anyone else. And anyway, we will be out of the tournament if we lose,” Shahrukh said on Monday.

When asked if it was a disadvantage to be among the first teams to play in Chennai, Super Gillies skipper N. Jagadeesan explained: “This [the schedule] is not in our control. It is always good to play the next match as soon as possible when you have momentum with you.”

Points table (read as team, played, won, lost, points, NRR): 1. Madurai Panthers 5-4-1-8(+0.290); 2. Chepauk Super Gillies 5-3-2-6(+0.472); 3. Idream Tiruppur Tamizhans 5-3-2-6(+0.222); 4. Nellai Royal Kings 5-3-2-6(+0.133); 5. Trichy Grand Cholas 5-3-2-6(-0.304); 6. Vida Kovai Kings 5-2-3-4(+1.247); 7. Dindigul Dragons 5-2-3-4(+0.205); 8. SKM Salem Spartans 5-0-5-0(-2.392).

Tuesday’s fixture at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium is Chepauk Super Gillies vs. Vida Kovai Kings, 7.30 p.m.; each side has two league matches remaining before the knockout stage.