PKL 9 Eliminator Live Updates: UP Yoddhas vs Tamil Thalaivas

07:30 Welcome to live updates of PKL 9 eliminator.

Bengaluru Bulls vs Dabang Delhi

Bengaluru Bulls have won both encounters against Dabang Delhi KC in PKL 9 and will be holding a slight edge. Bharat was the star raider for Bengaluru Bulls in both matches and single-handedly won the match after trailing by more than 10 points in the first half when the two teams met the last time.

Dabang Delhi KC lost two close battles both times they faced Bengaluru despite leading by a good margin at one point. As always their defence didn’t stand up in crucial situations costing them the match. The combo of Amit Hooda and Sandeep Dhull should look to minimize the threat of Bharat.

Head-to-Head

Dabang Delhi KC and Bengaluru Bulls have faced 19 other times in the Pro Kabaddi League. Bengaluru Bulls have won eight matches whereas Dabang Delhi KC came out victorious on nine occasions with two matches ending in a tie.

Player to watch

Sandeep Dhull of Dabang Delhi will be up against the league’s second-best raider Bharat, who primarily operates from the right flank. Sandeep is known for his ankle holds and is the best compared to all other defenders. This particular skill of his will be tested by Bharat while attempting to take the bonus. The combo of Sandeep and Amit Hooda will have to play a massive role in defence for Delhi to get to the semifinals.

Vikash Kandola, the secondary raider, has not had the best season. However, he is one of the most experienced in the raiding department. Bharat, who is just playing his second season might feel the pressure. In that case, the role of Vikas Kandola will become crucial. Also, the pace of Vikash Kandola can be a game-changer against the inconsistent defence of Dabang Delhi KC.

Tamil Thalaivas vs UP Yoddhas

UP Yoddhas will be holding the edge over Tamil Thalaivas who have qualified for the playoffs for the first time in their history. UP Yoddhas have been the most consistent side in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL). This is the third successive time they are into the playoffs but are yet to reach the final even once. Tamil Thalaivas have an inexperienced squad, and most of the team will be playing their first-ever play-off match.

Head-to-Head

UP Yoddhas and Tamil Thalaivas have faced each other 12 times in the Pro Kabaddi League out of which, Tamil Thalaivas have won four times and UP Yodhhas have won come out victorious on five occasions, with three games ending in a tie.

Player to watch

Ajinkya Pawar will play a crucial role in both attack and defence for Tamil Thalaivas against the UP Yoddhas. He is the only player with good experience in the playing seven. Narender Kandola has been performing very well, but might succumb to pressure in crucial situations. Therefore, the role of Pawar becomes more crucial in scoring both points and in reviving Narender.

The corner duo of Sumit and Nitesh will be the combination to watch out for UP Yoddhas. The combo hasn’t fired in the entire season and this might be their final chance to showcase their presence. If Nitesh in particular gets successful against Narender then UP Yoddhas will be holding a slight edge which can prove to be successful in the end.