PKL 9 Day 55 Live Updates: UP Yoddhas vs Puneri Paltan

Gujarat Giants vs Jaipur Pink Panthers

Gujarat Giants has been in great form having won four back-to-back matches in PKL 9 but the team has probably peaked at the wrong time. If Dabang Delhi KC has two matches remaining and if they atleast one match then it is all over for Gujarat this season. The chances of qualification are slim but they can put in a spirited effort against Jaipur Pink Panthers.

Jaipur Pink Panthers after qualifying previously has also booked the top two spots and will be playing the qualifiers directly against Puneri Paltan. This will be a one-off match and coach Sanjeev Baliyan can test out few youngsters in the bench along with giving valuable game time to experienced Rahul Chaudhari.

Head to Head

Jaipur Pink Panthers and Gujarat Giants have faced each other 11 times in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) out of which, Gujarat has won six encounters whereas Jaipur Pink Panthers have come out victorious on four occasions with one game ending in a tie.

Player to watch

The return of secondary raider Ajith Kumar has boosted the confidence of the Jaipur Pink Panthers. The lad from Tamil Nadu scored 13 raid points in the last encounter where Arjun scored only five points. Ajith Kumar needs to play in a similar fashion against inconsistent Gujarat’s defence ahead of the playoffs.

Dong Geon Lee has turned out to be a valuable player for Gujarat Giants having swapped the role with Chandran Ranjith. In the limited opportunities, the South Korean has performed extremely well and now will be up against a tough defensive unit of Jaipur. He needs to show composure against them and if succeeded Gujarat will have the advantage. 

Puneri Paltan vs UP Yoddhas

UP Yoddhas lost the last encounter in PKL 9 to Tamil Thalaivas resting a few crucial players to test their bench strength. The side will again look to give youngsters the chance to perform against the experienced Puneri Paltan side. Durgesh Kumar looked good in raiding scoring seven points.

Puneri Paltan has booked the top two spots and like UP Yoddhas will look to test their bench strength. Captain Fazel Athrachali will most probably not play the final league game with Mahindra Prasad likely to take over his place.

Head to Head

UP Yoddhas and Puneri Paltan have faced each other nine times in the Pro Kabaddi League out of which, UP Yoddhas have won five matches and Puneri Paltan has come out victorious on four occasions.

Player to watch

Puneri Paltan is known for producing young talents and we might get to see coach BC Ramesh playing with his B team. There are many players on the bench who haven’t played so far and this will be a good opportunity for them to showcase their talents ahead of the next Pro Kabaddi League season.

In the last match against Tamil Thalaivas, Durgesh Kumar and Anil Kumar took over the raiding department ahead of Nitin Tomar who after starting the playing 7 got substituted. Both the raiders looked good in attack and will get one more opportunity. They can even be used as substitutes in crucial situations in the playoffs.