Coimbatore: The city has made its presence in the third edition of Tamil Nadu Premier League with 11 to play for different teams. The league matches are to start from July 11 and players draft was held on May 31.

N Jagadeesan who was part of Chennai Super Kings in IPL was retained by Dindigul Dragons for which he played last year. C Hari Nishaanth and M Abhinav will also play for the Dragons. J Kousik is a prominent player in the city who was awarded Tamil Nadu cricketer of the year in 2015-16 and has been picked by Seichem Madurai Panthers. R Aushik Srinivas , the left arm spinner who was playing for the state under different category, is set to play for VB Kanchi Warriors.

S Mohan Prasath and M Sajahan are two players retained by Karaikudi Kaalai and S Radhakrishnan who represented Under 19 India will play for the teami in the upcoming season. R Mithun, J Suresh Kumar and P Saravana Kumar are promising cricketers in the city looking forward to shine in the tournament.

Kousik Jagatheesan

All-rounder, Seichem Madurai Panthers

My family does not have cricketing background but I was always passionate about it. I did my schooling in Sri Jayendra Saraswathi School, where I started my cricket at the age of 10 and represented the State at 12. When I was in Std XII, I decided to take cricket as a profession and worked for it. TNPL is a dream platform for the young cricketers. I was so excited to play under lights. TNPL taught me to handle pressure playing before a crowd. It was like dream come true. Hopefully looking forward for good TNPL season this year, said Koushik.

Hari Nishaanth

Left hand opening batsman , Dindigul Dragons

I have been playing cricket from Std II. My father is a PT master and has played cricket. He encouraged me to be in this sport. My professional cricket career started when I was 12. This is the third year for me in TNPL. I have learnt many things other than cricket: how to react, how to handle pressure. TNPL helped me to grow as a cricketer, said Hari Nishaanth.

R Mithun

Right hand batsman and off spinner, Lyca Kovai Kings

I started playing cricket at the age of 13. I was residing in Erode and migrated to Coimbatore to develop my cricketing skills. And I started playing for Coimbatore thereon. It was my dream to play TNPL in very first season itself. I was not picked by any franchise then. But now I am very excited to be a part of Lyca Kovai Kings. And my coach Guru Saamy Sir helped me a lot and I want to thank him, said Mithun.

J Suresh Kumar

Wicket-keeper, Lyca Kovai Kings

It was my dream to play Tamil Nadu premier league. I had a good season in Chennai city league matches and scored couple of tons in the season. I think that helped me get a spot in TNPL team as well. My sister is an inspiration to me; she is a hard working athlete. I am very nervous and excited to play under lights and cameras, says Suresh Kumar.