The Nanganallur Premier League

The Nanganallur Premier League (NPL) requires no introduction. It’s one of the most famous tennis ball cricket leagues in South Chennai, which I am proud to be a part of.
For those who are new to South Chennai, please visit:
Official NPL website
Official NPL orkut community

This is a-la Chennai 600028 introduction of the present and past players of the league:

Current players:

Vikram:
First things first. He is the proud owner of NPL Community in Orkut. He is an enthusiastic player whose sms pleading us to come to the ground on time, acts as a wake-up-alarm for all of us in the mornings. Such is his desire to play. A good pace bowler who loves to hit the deck and a decent batsman who is an exponent in taking quick singles. He is one of the most sought after player in the league. His Achilles heels is his captaincy skills. Never does he dominate the proceedings even though he has been a captain in a record number of games.

Hariharan:
He’s a Master blaster when on song. He loves to hit the ball out of the park. Doesn’t mind to get out in that attempt. “Hit or get out” is his motto. But more often than not, he has to be contended with the latter. “Right arm very very fast”, he announces while coming to bowl. And bowls astonishingly slow medium pace. For, his run-up is too short for speedy balls. The most laziest when it comes to running (which he owes to his ‘injured’ foot). He is a good thinker of the game. But never really implements it on field.

UK:
His house is the Den of NPL-ites. He may seem too bulky for cricket but he proves you wrong many times. A good batsman. Loves to eat up balls with defensive strokes. Given a chance, he’ll stay at the crease forever. Yet, at times ,he loses his temper only to his own undoing. One can’t expect him to field athletically. yet he’s an average Keeper. And like Dada, he’s known more for his captaincy than his individual display.

Ramanathan @ Ramsundar:
One of the best fast bowlers NPL has ever witnessed. He defies the ‘only-tall-guys-can-bowl-fast’ logic with pretty good pace. Of late, he has chosen to cut down his pace to strengthen his line & length and it is paying good dividends. A fine batsman who loves to bat as low as possible only to finish off the overs with smart shots.

PK:
This six-plus footer gives one an impression of a fiery fast bowler. But the way he bowls the slow dollies has earned him the tag of “easiest bowler to face” which he shares with UK. But when it comes to batting, he has the ability to hit even a bouncer out of the maidaans. Though critics denounce his credentials as a one-shot wonder, I personally feel he is little underrated.

Jagan:
He started his NPL career as a mediocre cricketer. But experience has done him a world of good. He has added a good range of strokes to his kitty. And while he’s at the crease, strike rotates at a healthy rate. And he’s also one of the most experienced wicket keepers in NPL.

Shantharam:
The most energetic player in the list. Always gives more than hundred percent in whatever role he plays. A devastating Opening batsman who doesn’t mind even to bat in the tail. A wannabe fast bowler, but doesn’t get enough opportunities to realize it. Easily, one of the greatest fielders in NPL history.

Manoj(Panimalar):
An athletic fielder, attacking batsman and a good utility bowler who can bowl fast as well as spin according to the needs of the situation.

KNV:
He’s one of the rare full-time spinners in NPL who has an uncanny knack of picking up wickets. His rise as a bowler is one of the top success stories in NPL. A solid defensive batsman as well.

Natesan:

A dedicated cricketer. A good hitter of the tennis ball. He clears the boundary at will. A more than average bowler as well who keeps the batsman at check with his sharp bowling. A good catcher too.

Srinath:
An all rounder in the truest sense. A solid left handed batsman who always keeps a price for his wicket. A good McGrath-ish bowler who frustrates the batsmen with his impeccable pitch map. And his fielding is an added advantage. plucks catches out of thin air. Another MVP.

Prashanth:
Tries to dominate the bowlers with his thumping straight sixes, and succeeds 99:1 times. Has a wide range of strokes which he rarely uses. A good pace bowler with an extra-ordinary short run-up. A reliable outfielder too. But he’s a Yuvraj-ish happy-go-lucky type guy with doubts over his dedication towards the game hovering over at times.

Venkatraman:
This big man is a good bowler who uses his height and muscle to a good measure. He’s no mug with the bat too. On the whole, a Good team player.

I,me,Myself:
I don’t want to analyze myself. I leave it to the readers rather, to comment on me.


NPL’s hall of fame:

In tribute to the distinguishable, unforgettable cricketers to have served it in the past..
An agonizingly long list of stalwarts:

Subra: Hung up his canvas shoes owing to his joining at CTS. One of the most popular players ever to have featured in the league.
Raja gopal & Vinoth: The duo retired from limited overs cricket recently. They are available for test.
Sriram & Senthilappan: The US bound MS aspirants have left NPL with a promise to glorify it in the West.
Ciberaj: Another captain material left NPL to join Company.
PSR: This timid cricketer lost interest in the game just when his career was on a rise.
Manoj(Velammal): Too busy with other activities these days.
Sudharshan: NPL misses this deadly bowler. He’s reportedly started his Engineering career in Delhi.
Ravi Prasadh: Another master all rounder lost to company.
Akilesh: NPL’s loss is Oracle’s gain.
Ravi Ashwin: left us to pursue his career ambitions.
Santhosh: Erikkson beckoned this never-say-die champ.

Guest Appearances:

These guys make special appearances at times to elevate the standards of NPL:

Aravindan: This Online-maniac makes his presence felt once in a blue moon.
MNM Ramanathan: A gifted all rounder with ample leadership qualities.

(The above two used to contribute immensely some time back. They can stage a comeback anytime. So, they are not added to the list of past players)
Rangarajan: A Cool customer.
Srinath: Technically sound player.
Raja Raghavan: His high spirits never die.
Sunil & Chromepet Guys: Too little appearances so far to comment on. Hope I can write on them sooner than later.


In case I’ve failed to recognize anyone who is serving/have served NPL, please forgive me. I would like my fellow-NPLites to add those names in the comments section.