The crowd roared, the lights shone bright, and the TNPL 2025 trophy dazzled under the night sky in Dindigul. What was meant to be a competitive final ended in a one-sided hammering? On home turf, Dindigul Dragons were obliterated by a fearless IDream Tiruppur Tamizhans unit that was both destructive with the bat and impeccable with the ball. Here’s how the Dragons went from contenders to imploring spectators.
Batting Collapse That Turned Into a Freefall
Let’s be blunt—when your top five put together 47 runs in a final, you don’t need a match analyst, you need a recovery mission. Dindigul’s innings started in a horror-show fashion, with skipper Ravichandran Ashwin falling for just 1, dragging a delivery from Silambarasan back onto his stumps. Indrajith and Vimal Khumar showed a hint of resistance, but the Dragons’ batters kept coming in bunches and never put together any momentum.
Even a later-on rush by Hunny Saini (17 off 6) appeared to me to show more intent to limit damage than intent to chase. With half of their side back in the hutch before 60 runs were on the board, the run chase was effectively over. It was more of a formality than a chase. The middle order for Dindigul fell apart like a bad poker hand. By the 15th over, Dindigul was all out for a pathetic 102. In finals, you need clarity and composure. Dindigul had neither.
The Tushar Raheja Show
Tushar Raheja did more than just bat — he entertained. With a Player of the Series trophy already in his grasp, Raheja saved the best for last. After Amit Sathvik’s irresponsible 65 runs, Raheja went on to make 77 off only 46 balls, effortlessly blending artistry with muscle. The partnership with Sathvik (121 for the first wicket) had completely debauched the Dindigul bowling attack and shifted the entire game in Tiruppur’s favor, and that wasn’t even halfway into the innings.
Raheja made a complete mockery of the bowling plans, shimmying down the pitch to Ashwin, ramping Periyaswamy, and hefting Varun Chakravarthy over long-off. The safe zone was non-existent for Dindigul. By the time Raheja got his first clean edge in the 16th over to depart, the damage was already done. That was not just a knock—it was a masterclass of the type that would win a championship, and the Dragons could only look on in disbelief.
Fielding Woes and Tactical Fumbles
The Dragons appeared, at times, mortified, yes, rattled, and were boring the hell out of everyone on the field. The Tiruppur squad capitalized on the Dragons’ diminishing intensity, as they were missing fields and overthrowing distances. Tavisha and Satkvik observed management, but moments were missed, the captain got out early in the innings, and Raheja came to the party but continued all inning to offer width. Players on the field were either naive or just lacking any match awareness.
And then there was the over-reliance on spin. On an absolute belter of a pitch, the Dragons threw in Ashwin, Varun, and Sasidharan, and they faced absolute string from the Tiruppur batting line-up. With no Plan B at all and referring to seamers going for runs at will, Dindigul had no answer to Tiruppur’s batting onslaught. In finals, adaptability is key. Dindigul clung to the game plan instead – and watched it burn.
In the biggest match of the year, Dindigul Dragons folded under pressure while Tiruppur charged on the back of Tushar Raheja’s brilliance and a ruthless all-round performance. It went beyond a simple stumble; it was a decisive blowout. The memory of this loss will linger painfully with Dindigul. For Tiruppur, it was the perfect final act of a dominant campaign.
Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.
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