In a match that had just about everything — early fireworks, middle-order drama, a record-breaking spell for all the wrong reasons, and a heart-pounding final over — it was Varun Chakravarthy who emerged as the unlikely hero. The Dindigul Dragons edged past SKM Salem Spartans by two wickets in a last-ball thriller at the Chennai Super Kings ground on Sunday in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) 2025.

Chasing a stiff target of 189, the game came down to the final over with the Dragons needing 11 runs. Pacer M Poiyamozhi held his nerve for the first four deliveries, even grabbing the crucial wicket of M Karthik Saran, tilting the match in Salem’s favour. But the cricketing gods had one more twist in store.

With 8 needed off the last two balls, Varun Chakravarthy – best known for his mystery spin, not his batting – found himself at the crease. Poiyamozhi bowled a no-ball at the worst possible moment, undoing all his hard work. Varun Chakravarthy smacked the free hit for a towering six over long-on, setting up a final-ball showdown. With the field up, he coolly drove the ball past the infield for four, sending the Dindigul camp into ecstasy.

As the crowd erupted and teammates sprinted onto the field in celebration, captain R Ashwin sat quietly in the dugout, overwhelmed, soaking in a victory that had slipped in and out of their hands all evening.

Ashwin Leads From the Front with Bat and Ball

The Dragons’ chase was set up brilliantly by skipper Ravichandran Ashwin, who smashed a 14-ball 35, laced with five boundaries and two sixes. He gave Dindigul a turbocharged start, propelling them to 50 without loss in just 3.2 overs.

Although the middle overs saw wickets fall in quick succession, the early momentum proved vital. Shivam Singh (34 off 24), R K Jayant (25 off 15), Hunny Saini (35 off 28), and Vimal Khumar made key contributions to keep the chase alive.

Ashwin’s influence wasn’t limited to the bat. With the ball, he turned the screws at crucial moments, returning figures of 3 for 22 from four overs. He dismissed dangerous batters like Sunny Sandhu and Rajendra Vivek, providing breakthroughs when the Spartans looked to shift gears.

Rajagopal’s Standout Knock Not Enough for Salem

Earlier in the evening, Salem Spartans posted a competitive 188 for 7, largely thanks to a stunning knock by Nidhish Rajagopal. Walking in with the team struggling at 13 for 2, Rajagopal anchored the innings with a composed 74 off 47 balls, hitting six fours and four sixes.

His 80-run stand with Rajendra Vivek (35 off 20) gave Salem the launchpad they needed for a big finish. Rajagopal also achieved a personal milestone, becoming just the 18th player in TNPL history to cross the 1,000-run mark.

However, Salem’s total was dented by an unwanted record — pacer G Periyasamy delivered the most expensive spell in TNPL history, going wicketless and conceding 70 runs in four overs. His erratic performance took the pressure off the Dragons in the death overs.

The Final Over: Drama at Every Delivery

As the match approached its climax, the final over was a rollercoaster. Dindigul needed 11. Poiyamozhi’s tight line, along with Karthik Saran’s dismissal, made it seem like Salem had snatched the game back.

But DT Chandrasekar managed to rotate strike, bringing Varun Chakravarthy on. A couple of runs, a no-ball, a six, and then that final calmly placed four — and just like that, Dindigul had stolen victory from the jaws of defeat.

Where the Teams Stand

This was Dindigul Dragons’ third win in five games, keeping them strongly in the hunt for a playoff berth. For Salem Spartans, it was a tough pill to swallow — their third defeat in six matches, despite a valiant effort from Rajagopal.

The match will be remembered not just for Varun Chakravarthy’s final flourish, but for its seesawing momentum, clutch performances, and the raw emotions it brought out in players and fans alike.

One thing’s for sure — the TNPL 2025 just delivered one of its most unforgettable nights.