Pkl 9 playoffs: Jaipur Pink Panthers, Bengaluru Bulls eye place in final

Both teams beat each other once in the league phase this season.

Jaipur Pink Panthers and Bengaluru Bulls clash in the first semi-final of Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) season 9. Bengaluru Bulls pulled off an easy win against Dabang Delhi KC with a victory margin of more than 25 points. Vikash Kandola finally proved his value performing when required the most. He also took full advantage of Dabang Delhi KC’s inconsistent defensive unit. Vikash scored six points in just three raids at the start setting the momentum in Bengaluru Bulls' favour. 

Ponparthiban Subramanium was another surprise performer. He scored his first high-five of the season. He was kept in the predicted lineup from our previous article and he showed what he is capable of. Jaipur Pink Panthers, who return to action after a long break, will look to break the momentum of Bengaluru Bulls and advance to their third final.

Team News

Jaipur Pink Panthers

Raiders: Ajith V Kumar, Arjun Deshwal, Devank, Rahul Chaudhari, Nitin Panwar, Navneet, Bhavani Rajput

Defenders: Sunil Kumar, Abhishek KS, Ashish, Ankush, Sahul Kumar, Deepak, Woosan KO, Lucky Sharma, Reza Mirbagheri, Nitin Chandel

All-Rounder: Rahul Gorakh Dhanawade

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

Head-to-Head

Jaipur Pink Panthers and Bengaluru Bulls have faced each other 17 times in the Pro Kabaddi League. Both teams have won eight times each while one game ended in a tie.

Player to watch

Vikash Kandola will once again be the player to watch for in the first semi-final of PKL 9. He along with Bharat will combine to form a deadly combo. Both should look to attack Ankush from the left corner position as this will be the first playoffs match the youngster will be playing in. 

For Jaipur Pink Panthers, the secondary raider position will be filled up by Ajith Kumar and his performance can prove to be crucial in the end. Arjun Deshwal alone cannot handle the responsibilities as in the league stages and either Ajith Kumar or Rahul Chaudhari needs to step up. If Jaipur goes in with a 5-2 combination then the role of Ajith Kumar will prove to be more vital.

Key to Success

Many experts in the commentary have said that Ankush performs better against lower-ranked teams as compared to others. Also with this being his first season, there will be pressure on him to perform better. He is also only three tackle points away from getting back his orange armband from Chiyaneh.

Bengaluru Bulls put in a solid team effort against Dabang Delhi KC and shall look to perform in a similar fashion against Jaipur as well. Ponparthiban will once again be the key in defence for Bengaluru Bulls.

Did you Know?

Rahul Chaudhari of Jaipur Pink Panthers will be playing his 150th match in the Pro Kabaddi League.

Broadcast

Time - 07:30 PM

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