Tamil Nadu Premier League 2025: 3 Key Reasons Lyca Kovai Kings Lost the TNPL 2025 Opener

They were in the runs. They were in the mood. Somehow, Lyca Kovai Kings found a way to mess it up, melting under pressure like ghee in the Coimbatore heat. This season opener was a prime candidate for a statement win for the Kings, especially after posting a tepid but defendable total of 149 on a typically sticky deck at the SNR College Ground. And that was with Dindigul Dragons already losing Ashwin and already wobbling through the early part of their chase at 89-2 with the plot thickening nicely. But rather than tightening the noose, Lyca Kovai Kings broke out the scissors.

Lack of Firepower and Pacing in the Batting Line-Up

Let’s face it—Lyca’s batting was more stop-start than a motorbike on empty. It wasn’t quite a collapse, more just a meandering crawl through the innings to get to what was a par score. After five overs, Vishal Vaidhya and Lokeshwar had nudged the score to just 29, reflecting a sedate beginning. This was improved by Andre Siddarth with a breezy 25, which, at least, there was hope, and Shahrukh Khan hit a few with some intent. Outside of this, there was no momentum whatsoever, and the innings never really caught fire.

The biggest crime? No one is getting past 25. A few good cameos without an underpinning anchor left them bobbing in mid-table anonymity. The final score of 149-8 is just a quintessential score that sits right in the middle of the scale, it is not high enough for it to be overly intimidating, nor low enough to chase easily. This was not just a batting issue, however, it was a pacing disaster. They had no idea how to pace the innings correctly, and the scoreboard proved that.

Shivam Singh’s Blazing Knock Killed the Contest

In came the Shivam Singh Show. If there was a time the match became a one-way brochure, it was during the left-hander’s breathtaking 82* off 50 deliveries. Once Ashwin fell in the third over, it opened a window for the Kings to come crashing in. However, Shivam Singh sealed that window tight with a sledgehammer. His innings was not only free-flowing, but it was clinical, intelligent, and merciless.

He danced down the pitch and played with soft hands, punishing everything that was even slightly loose. And worst of all, Kovai’s bowlers had no answers. Rohit, Siddharth, Shahrukh – they all had chances, but they could not unlock it for the Kings. Singh’s innings sliced a path through the field like a spoon through ghee. After some time, Dindigul did not need a Plan B because this was Shivam’s party, and the Kings were just props in the background.

Low Energy in the Field and a Toothless Bowling Effort

The lack of intensity in the field, perhaps, was the most disappointing aspect from a Lyca perspective. The Kings not only got out-played – they got out-hustled. Fielding was flat. Where was their energy? It was missing in action. Tune in to G Periyaswamy’s run-out and Ashwin’s contributions in the field for the Dragons, and you’ll remember what urgency looks like. Lyca? They looked like they were dragging their tired bodies around as if it were treacle.

And in defending a mediocre total, those 10-15 extra runs saved in the field become the difference between a thriller and a thud. Even their bowling lacked any bite – Govinth G bowled 1.2 overs and cost 27 runs. At one stage, it felt like they were blindfolding and throwing darts. You can’t win T20s playing passive cricket, and that was the case for Lyca Kovai Kings.

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.

For more exclusive updates, visit BJSports to access Exclusive News that is only for you, incisive analysis, and updates, and to keep up with all of the latest information on your favorite remarkable cricket players and teams. To ensure you never miss out, join in on the fun right away!