Cheeky Cheetahs Triumph in TNPPL Finale

The inaugural season of the Tamil Nadu Pickleball Premier League (TNPPL) came to an electrifying conclusion as the Cheeky Cheetahs (CC) emerged victorious in a hard-fought battle against the Salem Slammers (SS). With unwavering determination and skill, the Cheetahs clinched a 25-18 win, etching their name in history as the league’s first-ever champions.

A Fierce Championship Battle

From the first serve, the final match was a rollercoaster of emotions. The Cheeky Cheetahs took an early lead in the high-stakes 2-pointer men's doubles match, spearheaded by a dominant performance from Ganesh Kumar. However, Salem Slammers quickly responded, winning the women's doubles match and leveling the score at 2-2.

The momentum shifted yet again in the crucial 3-pointer match, where the league’s Most Valuable Player, Vimalraj Jayachandran, showcased his brilliance and led his team to a pivotal victory. With the scoreboard now reading 5-2 in favor of the Cheetahs, the team extended their lead further in the 1-point men’s doubles match. Franchise owner Adithyaa Srikkanth himself stepped onto the court and secured a decisive win, increasing the tally to 6-2.

Despite the growing deficit, the Salem Slammers staged a stunning comeback, winning three consecutive matches and overturning the lead to 8-6 in their favor. With everything boiling down to the final 3-pointer team match, the Cheetahs displayed nerves of steel, delivering a match-winning performance and securing the championship title.

(Photo Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/DGP_6HHSd3-/?hl=en&img_index=3)

Cash Prizes & Notable Performances

As champions, the Cheeky Cheetahs were awarded a cash prize of Rs 3 lakh, while the runners-up Salem Slammers took home Rs 2 lakh. Meanwhile, the battle for third place saw The Lob Mob and Chennai Dupr Terminatrz put on exceptional performances throughout the tournament. Both teams secured a well-deserved Rs 1 lakh each, solidifying their standing in the league’s history.

TNPPL Season 1 Winners List

Champion: Cheeky Cheetahs

• Owner: Adithyaa Srikkanth

• Captain: Vimalraj Jayachandran

Runner-Up: Salem Slammers

• Owners: Dr. Saravanan, Sridhar, and Achyuth

• Captain: Krishna Karthik

Joint 3rd Place:

• The Lob Mob

  • Owner: Vikas Bysani

  • Captain: Vignesh

• Chennai Dupr Terminators

  • Owner: Atul Jain

  • Captain: R. Sivasankar

(Photo Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/DGP_6HHSd3-/?hl=en&img_index=7)

A Bright Future for Pickleball in India

With its high-intensity matches and captivating performances, the TNPPL’s first season has set a remarkable benchmark for competitive pickleball in India. The league has successfully brought together top-tier talent, dedicated franchise owners, and passionate fans, making it a premier event in the country's sports calendar.

As the curtain falls on an unforgettable debut season, anticipation is already building for TNPPL Season 2, which promises even greater excitement and competition. One thing is certain—pickleball in India is on an unstoppable rise, and the TNPPL is at the heart of its thrilling journey.