PKL 10 Eliminator 2: Can Haryana Steelers break jinx to qualify for final? Keys to success

Steelers and Pink Panthers will lock horns to have a go at the spot in the final.

If there is a script written on how to defend a Pro Kabaddi League title, then that script has been followed to perfection by Jaipur Pink Panthers this season. In wonderful form, they will look to sail through the finals and lift the trophy to equal the record of Patna Pirates. But it won’t be a walk in the park as the Haryana Steelers are standing tall and will look to qualify for their first-ever finals. The game promises to be a humdinger of a contest and looks to dig deep into the keys to their success.

Jaipur Pink Panthers

Arjun Deshwal – The Enforcer

Being the most reliable raider in season nine, Arjun Deshwal was deservedly crowned the MVP. This season, he has led his side to victory more often than not, recording 14 Super 10s. The Asian Games gold medalist has high standards for himself and taking his team to twin titles would be one among them. He will again be the primary force in the semifinals and Haryana Steelers should be vary of his antics.

The unbreachable Ankush wall

If Arjun Deshwal is for the raiding department, Ankush is the head of the Pink Panthers in the defensive unit. The left-corner defender has been in stellar form this season as well, shouldering the Jaipur defense. This season, the inaugural champions’ 13-match unbeaten streak is the longest in PKL history thanks to his consistency. Raiders have failed to breach him and Vinay will have a huge task to keep him on the bench.

Consistency of cover combination

The Jaipur Pink Panthers‘ defensive combination in PKL 10 allowed them to be one of the most reliable teams this season. Even though their corners are in amazing form, Sunil Kumar and Reza Mirbagheri’s aggressive cover combination has made them a difficult team to deal with. They now have a higher strike rate, particularly in instances involving super tackles. They have a tonne of experience, which is priceless, and they might lead them to another final.

Haryana Steelers

Terrific Defensive Trio

This season, the defense of the Haryana Steelers is among the best in the league. Mohit Nadal (69 Points), Rahul Sethpal (68 Points), and Jaideep Dahiya (67 Points) have made their work talk against every team in the league. These three will again be key in the game against Jaipur Pink Panthers. Arjun Deshwal will have a tough time handling the trio. If these three have a good day, then Haryana might be playing their first-ever PKL final.

Young Legs of Their Raiders

While Haryana’s defense has brought calmness, the young legs of Raiders in Shivam Patare and Vinay have produced points in the offense. In the most crucial game of the season, Vinay will have a lot to prove himself having been the lead Raider for the Steelers. Shivam Patare will be high on confidence having had a great game against Fazel Atrachali. Both will be looking to fire in all cylinders against the defending champions.

Manpreet’s Energy

Kabaddi is a game of momentum and depending upon how one might feel in pressure situations has a great say in the result of the game. PKL over the years has seen Manpreet’s energy first as a player and now as a coach. In the eliminator, he was seen smiling which eased the pressure of his players and helped them express themselves. When they got the momentum, the team pounced on the opposition and never let them comeback. He will again look to bring that energy and infuse it into his players.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Kabaddi on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.