PKL 9 playoffs: Bengaluru Bulls face Dabang Delhi KC in first eliminator for place in semis

The Bulls won both league fixtures this season.

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.

Team News

Bengaluru Bulls

Raiders: Vikash Kandola, More G B, Lala Mohar Yadav, Neeraj Narwal, Harmanjit Singh, Bharat, Nageshor Tharu

Defenders: Mahender Singh(c), Saurabh Nandal, Mayur Kadam, Sudhakar Krishant, Rohit Kumar, Vinod Naik, Aman, Rajnesh, Yash Hooda

All-Rounders: Sachin Narwal, Rahul Khatik

Dabang Delhi

Raiders: Naveen Kumar, Manjeet, Ashu Malik, Ashish Narwal, Suraj Panwar

Defenders: Ravi Kumar, Sandeep Dhull, Amit Hooda, Vishal, Anil Kumar, Monu, Dipak, Krishan, Vinay Kumar, Vijay, Mohammad Liton Ali, Aakash

All-rounders: Vijay, Tejas Patil, Reza Katoulinezhad

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.

Key to Success

Dabang Delhi KC has one of the best raiding units in PKL season 9 along with having good bench strength. But it is their defence that has let the team down. The cover position will prove to be differential in the end either if Delhi win or lose.

Bengaluru Bulls in the defence has improved by a good margin with the likes of Aman getting back to form in the last encounter. The right cover position still looks like a weak spot. It will be interesting to see who fills in that spot and combine with captain Mahender Singh.

Did you know?

Vikash Kandola from Bengaluru Bulls will play his 100th PKL match when he takes the mat against Dabang Delhi KC in the Pro Kabaddi league.

Broadcast

Time - 07:30 PM

Streaming - Star Sports / Disney + Hotstar