The 16th match of the ongoing Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) 2023 was played between Dindigul Dragons and Lyca Kovai Kings on Sunday, June 26 at the SCF cricket ground, Salem. The Kovai Kings clinched a convincing victory by 59 runs against the Ravichandran Ashwin-led team.
Meanwhile, Kovai’s skipper Shahrukh Khan, who didn’t even bowl a single over in the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023, became the leading wicket-taker in the tournament after the 16th match and also won the purple cap but soon the cap was taken by P Bhuvaneswaran. Shahrukh has already picked up wickets in just 5 matches.
The 28-year-old allrounder played 14 matches for Punjab Kings in IPL 2023 but was not handed the ball in a single match. He only got a chance to bat where he scored 156 runs while coming down the order as a finisher. However, he proved his bowling skills in TNPL and has become the top 2 bowlers in the league. He took 2 wickets against the Dragons and the purple cap was decorated on his head but it did not last long.
Shahrukh is leading the Kovai Kings and he gave this opportunity to himself to bowl and the decision proved absolutely right. However, it’d be interesting to see if gets to bowl in the next IPL season. Talking about the match, the Dragons won the toss and opted to bowl first. While batting first, Kovai scored a big score of 206 runs for 5 wickets in 20 overs. Sai Sudarshan scored 83 runs in 41 balls and captain Shahrukh hit 18 not out in 11 balls.
I have picked up plenty of wickets this season: Shahrukh Khan
In response to the target of 207 runs, the Dragons got all out for 147 runs in 19.1 overs. Shahrukh dismissed Shivam Singh for 61 runs and Sharat Kumar for 36 runs. He later talked about the match in the post-match conference.
“We just backed our processes. Thought it might come close. We consolidated really well after losing three wickets in the powerplay. Frankly, there was no plan. 180 was definitely possible. The batter batted normally. I am not pushing them too much. We have picked players who can do the job for us. The ball coming out well. I have picked up plenty of wickets this season and it hasn't happened before.” Shahrukh was quoted by Cricbuzz.
Here's how fans reacted:
Ipl mein bowling kyon nahi milti phir
— Amit Sharma ⚡ (@amitsharma7095) June 25, 2023
Should be a sad moment for Indian crickets future
— ANKUR GUPTA (@hon786ey) June 26, 2023
He's very good hard-hitting batsman
— Father of pak (@itz_tanvir_5911) June 26, 2023
How can cricket be so fluke
— Kamal Rao (@KamalRao62) June 26, 2023
Batting toh aati nahi chalo bowling try kar lo
— Nipun vats (@vats922180372) June 25, 2023
— Dawn 🚢 (@god_light_) June 25, 2023
Toh ise pata chalta hai kitna faltu league hai 😂😅
— ROhit (@kallu35691) June 25, 2023
In parallel universe
— Rahul (@77of96) June 25, 2023