PKL 9 playoffs: Tamil Thalaivas meet UP Yoddhas in second eliminator

M SUDHARSHAN

Both teams edged each other once in the league stages.

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.

Team News

UP Yoddhas

Raiders: Pardeep Narwal, Surender Gill, Nitin Tomar, Anil Kumar, Mahipal, Rohit Tomar, Aman, Durgesh Kumar, Rathan K, Gulveer Singh

All-Rounders: Gurdeep, Nehal Desai, Nitin Panwar, Sandeep Narwal.

Defenders: Nitesh Kumar, Sumit, Ashu Singh, Shubham Kumar, Abozar Mohajermighani, Babu M, Jaideep

Tamil Thalaivas

Raiders: Pawan Sehrawat, Ajinkya Ashok Pawar, Himanshu, Jatin, Himanshu

All-rounders: Thanushan Laxmamohan, Visvanath V, K Abhimanyu

Defenders: Sagar, Sahil, M Abishek, Mohit, Himanshu, Ashish, Md Arif Rabbani, Arpit Saroha, Ankit

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.

Key to Success

If Sagar doesn’t turn up for Tamil Thalaivas then the likes of Pardeep Narwal and Rohit Tomar will look to attack the left corner position more. Arpit Saroha has scored a high-five this season but hasn’t played against the best playing seven. The gameplay of Saroha can prove to be crucial for Tamil Thalaiavs.

Pardeep Narwal after sitting out for two games will be back in action and will once again take over the primary raider duties. The addition of Surinder Gill will be an added boost and the tertiary raiding role provided to Rohit Tomar.

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