TNPL franchise Trichy Warriors appoint Jonty Rhodes as their mentor

Former South African cricketer Jonty Rhodes is all set to be a part of the Indian cricketing extravaganza yet again. After donning the blue jersey for Mumbai Indians in the IPL, Rhodes is set to be part of the Trichy Warriors franchise in the ongoing Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL). The 48-year-old Protea will act as a mentor and brand ambassador for the side and travel with the team during the course of the tournament.

Formerly known as Ruby Kanchi Warriors, the franchise changed their name to Ruby Trichy Warriors going into the ongoing edition of the TNPL. Finishing at the bottom half of the table at 7th  in the previous season, the franchise has appointed Ajay Kudua as their batting coach and will hope for a turnaround in their luck this season.

The CEO of the franchise, Shyam Kangayan, had told TOI, “We are looking to have either Hussey or Rhodes as a mentor travelling with the team throughout the tournament. It is in the initial stage but we are definitely looking at roping in one of them. We will be contacting them next week and we hope they are available.”

Trichu Warriors suffered a defeat in the tournament opener

Trichy Warriors, however, had a disappointing start to their campaign, losing their opening match to defending champions Albert TUTI Patriots by a whopping 10 wickets. Batting first, the Warriors posted a total of 120 in 18.5 overs courtesy Bharath Shankar’s 40 and Baba Indrajith’s 30. In reply, Patriots openers Washington Sundar and Kaushik Gandhi wrapped up the match in 15.3 overs, which was being played at the NPR College Ground in Dindigul.

Trichy Warriors next face VB Thirvallur Veerans on July 30 at the Indian Cement Company Ground, Tirunelveli. The finals of the tournament will be played on August 20 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.

Also unlike last season, where two semifinals were played, the tournament will follow the IPL format in the ongoing edition.