PKL 11: Key player battles to watch out for in match 41, Jaipur Pink Panthers vs Patna Pirates

Can Jaipur Pink Panthers’ defence contain the mighty form of Patna Pirates’ Devank in the PKL 11 match?

Jaipur Pink Panthers are all set to face the Patna Pirates this Friday in Pro Kabaddi League 11 (PKL 11). The Pink Panthers stand in the fifth position with three wins, two losses and a draw. Whereas, the Pirates stand in the seventh position with three wins and three losses.

After struggling for a few matches, Jaipur Pink Panthers finally made a comeback with a narrow win against UP Yoddhas (33-30) in their last outing in PKL 11. Credits to the newly added Neeraj Narwal into the starting 7.

Narwal came out with a phenomenal all-round performance with 6 touch points, a bonus, and 2 tackle points against the Yoddhas, which made a major contribution to the win. Besides him, the Pink Panthers’ defence played a crucial role, with 14 tackle points to their names.

On the other hand, Patna Pirates is coming in against the Pink Panthers after facing a narrow defeat against the U Mumba (42-40). Once again, it was a “Devank” show from the Pirates who scored 15 raid points. Besides him, Ayan also had a good match with 8 points in his name.

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However, the dilemma for Patna Pirates had been the failure of their defence to get their opponents’ raiders. Shubham Shinde, Deepak, Ankit and others haven’t been able to leave their mark in PKL 11 yet. Is that the opportunity for Arjun Deshwal to get back his rhythm?

Jaipur Pink Panthers‘ defence has been clinical in most of their matches. The defence led by the experienced Surjeet Singh, along with Ankush Rathee, Reza Mirbagheri and Lucky Sharma has been pretty effective PKL 11.

But Arjun Deshwal’s lack of rhythm in the last few matches has cost them some defeats. The Panthers and their fans will be waiting for him to come back with the golden form he began the season.

On the contrary, Patna Pirates had the same issue with their defence. Their defence hasn’t clicked with combination yet. Whether it be Shubham Shinde, Deepak or Ankit Jaglan, they haven’t played as a unit yet that can win their matches in PKL 11 through tackles.

Where Arjun Deshwal will be trying to get his rhythm back against the Pirates. The Pirates’ defence will look to take advantage of Deshwal’s form and get their combinations right. Here are the three key battles that will decide the result of the match on Friday between JAI and PAT.

Arjun Deshwal vs Ankit jaglan

Despite being out of form, Arjun Deshwal is the biggest threat to any opponent. He just needs a match to come back and this might be the one. However, Ankit Jaglan has been the only Patna Pirates’ defender who has had a decent season yet. Jaglan has scored 19 tackle points in 6 matches, including a High5. On the other hand, Deshwal has 53 raid points in 6 matches.

This battle is definitely going to decide which way this match goes. If Ankit is able to content Deshwal, Patna Pirates will see themself as the favourite in this match. However, if Deshwal is able to get back his form, it will be tough for the Pirates to chase.

Devank vs Reza Mirbagheri

Devank has been a one-man army for the Patna Pirates on many occasions in PKL 11. From scoring 25 points against Tamil Thalaivas in the second match of PKL 11, the domination of Devank began. After that, Devank scored 3 Super-10s and has been the backbone of Patna Pirates.

In total, he has scored 76 raid points in 6 matches, and in the upcoming contest against the Pink Panthers, he will play a major role in PKL 11. But it won’t be easy against the mighty defence of the Panthers.

Amongst the many spectacular defenders from the Pink Panthers, Reza Mirbagheri will be the most challenging one. Mirbagheri has been spectacular for the Jaipur Pink Panthers and has scored 18 tackle points in PKL 11. Even in the last match against the Yoddhas, he scored a High-5 and is looking in sharp form. Just like Arjun Deshwal, if Devank gets going he can pull it off for the Patna Pirates.

Ayan vs Surjeet Singh

Ayan is another raider from Patna Pirates who has played the role of a supporting raider very well. This is what has been missing for the Pink Panthers. Ayan has scored 40 points in 6 matches from which 29 came in the last 3 matches, which shows the rhythm he is getting lately. If he can continue the good form and have another match along with Devank, Patna Pirates’ power will become immense.

However, it is not going to be easy at all. Jaipur Pink Panthers’ defence is one of the best in the season and it will be a difficult task for the Patna Pirates’ raiders to score. From the Panthers, Surjeet Singh is going to be another threat for the Pirates in PKL 11.

Singh has scored 15 tackle points in 6 matches and scored 4 tackle points in the last match as well. If Ayan can win over Jaipur Pink Panthers’ defence and score a super-10, he can play a massive role for the Pirates in the upcoming match.

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