{"id":199466,"date":"2026-08-05T19:43:17","date_gmt":"2026-08-06T01:13:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/?p=199466"},"modified":"2026-08-05T19:43:17","modified_gmt":"2026-08-06T01:13:17","slug":"tnpl-2026-nirankar-steps-up-for-dragons-in-absence-of-ashwin-chakaravarthy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/?p=199466","title":{"rendered":"TNPL 2026: Nirankar steps up for Dragons in absence of Ashwin, Chakaravarthy"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"content-body-71310571\">When Dindigul Dragons strolled out for the Tamil Nadu Premier League season-opener here on Tuesday, there was uncertainty over how the 2024 title-winner would cope with the absence of two masters of the spin-bowling craft.<\/p>\n<p>R. Ashwin is in the dugout as a mentor and not on the field while Varun Chakaravarthy is yet to recover from a hamstring injury. But in an encouraging sign for its adaptive strategy, the Dindigul side watched debutant leggie Nirankar Sharma dish out a Player-of-the-Match performance of three for 21 against Tiruppur Tamizhans.<\/p>\n<p>Nirankar, who moved from Madhya Pradesh to Tamil Nadu to fuel his cricket dream, tightened the screws in the middle overs with his miserly spell.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/sportstar.thehindu.com\/cricket\/tnpl-2026-live-score-updates-highlights-analysis-commentary-chepauk-super-gillies-nellai-royal-kings\/article71309985.ece\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">FOLLOW THE TNPL 2026 LIVE<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u201cI was just so excited. It was an emotional moment for me because I had waited for it (making his maiden appearance at such a level) for years. I could not have asked for a better debut. The Dragons management, Ashwin bhaiya and Inder (B. Indrajith) anna have been supporting me a lot,\u201d said Nirankar, the lone DD spinner in action on Tuesday.<\/p>\n<p>The 26-year-old is enjoying the time of his professional life when learning the tricks of the trade from Ashwin.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI had dreamt of working with him. He has been superb with his mentorship. He is expecting a lot from me. Hopefully, I fulfil his expectations. I cannot ask for anything better with what is going on in my life,\u201d added the slow bowler.<\/p>\n<p>After making a good first impression, Nirankar should strive for consistency.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"publish-time\" id=\"end-of-article\">Published on Aug 05, 2026<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/sportstar.thehindu.com\/cricket\/tnpl-2026-dindigul-dragons-nirankar-sharma-debut-spin-bowling-ashwin-chakaravarthy\/article71310571.ece\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When Dindigul Dragons strolled out for the Tamil Nadu Premier League season-opener here on Tuesday, there was uncertainty over how the 2024 title-winner would cope with the absence of two&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":199467,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[9],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-199466","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sports"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/10216_4_8_2026_21_21_15_1_04_08_2026_NIRANKAR.JPG","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":199281,"url":"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/?p=199281","url_meta":{"origin":199466,"position":0},"title":"TNPL 2026 Highlights: Dindigul Dragons defeats Tiruppur Tamizhans by seven wickets","author":"Ajay Kumar Verma","date":"August 4, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Welcome to Sportstar\u2019s live coverage of the opening game of the Tamil Nadu Premier League 2026 season between Tiruppur Tamizhans and Dindigul Dragons at the NPR College Ground in Dindigul! Follow Sportstar for extensive coverage of the tenth edition of the TNPL, from live scores and match reports to exclusive\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Sports&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Sports","link":"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/?cat=9"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/10216_4_8_2026_21_22_35_3_04_08_2026_NIRANKAR_5.JPG?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/10216_4_8_2026_21_22_35_3_04_08_2026_NIRANKAR_5.JPG?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/10216_4_8_2026_21_22_35_3_04_08_2026_NIRANKAR_5.JPG?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/10216_4_8_2026_21_22_35_3_04_08_2026_NIRANKAR_5.JPG?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/10216_4_8_2026_21_22_35_3_04_08_2026_NIRANKAR_5.JPG?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":199268,"url":"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/?p=199268","url_meta":{"origin":199466,"position":1},"title":"TNPL 2026 Live: Sathwik, Raheja fall in quick succession after blazing start","author":"Ajay Kumar Verma","date":"August 4, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Welcome to Sportstar\u2019s live coverage of the opening game of the Tamil Nadu Premier League 2026 season between Tiruppur Tamizhans and Dindigul Dragons at the NPR College Ground in Dindigul! Follow Sportstar for extensive coverage of the tenth edition of the TNPL, from live scores and match reports to exclusive\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Sports&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Sports","link":"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/?cat=9"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/10216_6_7_2025_23_27_9_3_06_07_2025_CHAMPIONS_2.JPG?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/10216_6_7_2025_23_27_9_3_06_07_2025_CHAMPIONS_2.JPG?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/10216_6_7_2025_23_27_9_3_06_07_2025_CHAMPIONS_2.JPG?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/10216_6_7_2025_23_27_9_3_06_07_2025_CHAMPIONS_2.JPG?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/10216_6_7_2025_23_27_9_3_06_07_2025_CHAMPIONS_2.JPG?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":199285,"url":"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/?p=199285","url_meta":{"origin":199466,"position":2},"title":"TNPL 2026: Dindigul Dragons trumps Tiruppur Tamizhans in low-scoring season opener","author":"Ajay Kumar Verma","date":"August 4, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"There is a thin line between aggression and recklessness in T20 cricket. iDream Tiruppur Tamizhans paid the price for falling into the second category as Dindigul Dragons duly punished the reigning champion in the Tamil Nadu Premier League Season 10 opener on Tuesday. Dragons displayed no signs of starting trouble\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Sports&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Sports","link":"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/?cat=9"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/10216_4_8_2026_21_28_32_1_04_08_2026_NIRANKAR_7.JPG?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/10216_4_8_2026_21_28_32_1_04_08_2026_NIRANKAR_7.JPG?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/10216_4_8_2026_21_28_32_1_04_08_2026_NIRANKAR_7.JPG?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/10216_4_8_2026_21_28_32_1_04_08_2026_NIRANKAR_7.JPG?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/10216_4_8_2026_21_28_32_1_04_08_2026_NIRANKAR_7.JPG?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":199450,"url":"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/?p=199450","url_meta":{"origin":199466,"position":3},"title":"TNPL 2026: Gurjapneet, Saravanan help Madurai Panthers escape with win; Nellai Royal Kings outclasses Chepauk Super Gillies","author":"Ajay Kumar Verma","date":"August 5, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"The phrase \u2018it\u2019s not over until it\u2019s over\u2019 holds true for sport, especially the shortest format of cricket where the complexion of a match can change in the blink of an eye. The unpredictable nature of T20s was on full display at the Tamil Nadu Premier League on Wednesday, when\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Sports&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Sports","link":"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/?cat=9"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/10216_5_8_2026_19_32_2_2_05_08_2026_GURJAPNEET_SINGH_1.JPG?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/10216_5_8_2026_19_32_2_2_05_08_2026_GURJAPNEET_SINGH_1.JPG?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/10216_5_8_2026_19_32_2_2_05_08_2026_GURJAPNEET_SINGH_1.JPG?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/10216_5_8_2026_19_32_2_2_05_08_2026_GURJAPNEET_SINGH_1.JPG?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/10216_5_8_2026_19_32_2_2_05_08_2026_GURJAPNEET_SINGH_1.JPG?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":199301,"url":"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/?p=199301","url_meta":{"origin":199466,"position":4},"title":"Tamil Nadu Premier League 2026 Live: TV Channel, Tamil Commentary, Streaming App Explained","author":"Ajay Kumar Verma","date":"August 4, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"The 10th edition of the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) gets underway on Tuesday (August 4), with defending champion IDream Tiruppur Tamizhans taking on Dindigul Dragons in the tournament opener at the NPR College Ground in Dindigul. The milestone 10th chapter of TNPL has moved away from traditional broadcasters and\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Sports&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Sports","link":"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/?cat=9"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/HO3tT6Ha0AAgaim.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/HO3tT6Ha0AAgaim.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/HO3tT6Ha0AAgaim.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/HO3tT6Ha0AAgaim.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/HO3tT6Ha0AAgaim.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":199238,"url":"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/?p=199238","url_meta":{"origin":199466,"position":5},"title":"TNPL 2026: Full list of franchise captains ahead of new Tamil Nadu Premier League season","author":"Ajay Kumar Verma","date":"August 4, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"The tenth edition of the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) will get underway in Dindigul on Tuesday, with defending champion IDream Tiruppur Tamizhans taking on last season\u2019s finalist Dindigul Dragons. A total of eight franchises will play 32 games in the season before the top teams battle it out in\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Sports&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Sports","link":"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/?cat=9"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/SAI20KISHORE202.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/SAI20KISHORE202.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/SAI20KISHORE202.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/SAI20KISHORE202.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/SAI20KISHORE202.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pgnRh4-PTc","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/199466","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=199466"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/199466\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/199467"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=199466"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=199466"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=199466"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}