Several players stood out with both bat and ball in the TNPL this year. Here are a few who could go on to secure their first IPL contract.

This year's Tamil Nadu Premier League season came to an end on Sunday, with Dindigul Dragons lifting the title. Here, Wisden brings you five standout performers from the season, who could go on to land IPL contracts.

Tushar Raheja (IDream Tiruppur Tamizhans)

10 innings, 324 runs – Avg: 36.0, SR: 150.0

Twenty-three year old wicketkeeper-batter Tushar Raheja enjoyed a bumper TNPL 2024. Opening the batting for Tiruppur Tamizhans, the left-hander racked up 324 runs at a strike rate of nearly 150. He struck three half-centuries this year, including a 31-ball 55 in Qualifier 1 against Lyca Kovai Kings.

With a batting style reminiscent of New Zealand's Devon Conway, one of Raheja's most eye-catching knocks came against Nellai Royal Kings when he flayed 41 from just 13 deliveries, setting the platform for his side to post 189-8. As an Indian left-handed opener and keeping option, Raheja could be a tempting prospect for IPL teams as a backup player.

 

 

VP Amit Sathvik (IDream Tiruppur Tamizhans)

9 innings, 228 runs – Avg: 28.5, SR: 135.7

If Raheja was Tiruppur's fire, Amit Sathvik was the team's iceman. With 228 runs this season, striking at 135, he did not set the stage alight like his opening partner but could turn the scoring up a notch when required. He also excelled in Qualifier 1, overcoming a slow start to accelerate from 18 (20) to 67 (42), putting on 105 for the first wicket with Raheja.

Amit Sathvik has been blessed with fast hands, which allow him to play both pace and spin square of the wicket off the back foot. The 21-year-old is also an occasional wicketkeeper.

Watch: R Ashwin promotes himself to open in local T20 league, hits 30-ball 69* to seal final berth

Pradosh Ranjan Paul (Chepauk Super Gillies)

6 innings, 222 runs – Avg: 55.5, SR: 134.5

Left-hander Pradosh Ranjan Paul was a dependable presence in Chepauk Super Gillies' middle-order as the side finished third in the league stage. His season started in unique fashion as he was retired out after making 40 off 32 balls in a chase of 142, leaving his side with 24 to get off the last seven balls. An unbeaten knock of 67 against Tiruppur was the highlight of his season.

The 23-year-old has been a superstar in first-class cricket, averaging 57 across his first 19 matches for Tamil Nadu and even scoring a century for India A in South Africa earlier this year.

 

 

P Vignesh (Dindigul Dragons)

9 innings, 10 wickets – Avg: 16.1, Econ: 6.2

The youngest player on this list, 19-year-old left-arm spinner P Vignesh finished with 10 wickets to his name – as well as the TNPL title. Playing alongside two IPL winners and Indian internationals in R Ashwin and Varun Chakaravarthy, the teenager will have learnt much about the art of bowling in T20s.

This came to the fore in Qualifier 2, where he outbowled both the senior men to return figures of 3-8 in four overs against Tiruppur. Vignesh stepped up in the summit clash against Lyca Kovai Kings as well, taking 2-15 in his four overs to restrict them to 129-7.

S Ajith Ram (IDream Tiruppur Tamizhans)

9 innings, 11 wickets – Avg: 18.8, Econ: 7.7

At 25 years old, Ajith Ram has enjoyed a breakout TNPL season with the ball. The left-arm spinner did not take a bagful of wickets, but proved to be an excellent restrictive option in the middle overs for Tiruppur captain Sai Kishore.

Ajith Ram comes with red-ball pedigree as well. In 12 matches for Tamil Nadu, he has picked up 60 wickets at an average of under 18. His adaptability between red-ball and white-ball bowling serves as testament to his skill, and could prove crucial if he is to secure an IPL contract.

Image credits: TNPL website

Follow Wisden for all cricket updates, including live scores, match stats, quizzes and more. Stay up to date with the latest cricket news, player updates, team standings, match highlights, video analysis and live match odds.