PKL 11: UP Yoddhas probable starting 7

Contrary to previous auctions, the UP Yoddhas have had a number of new signings this time.

The UP Yoddhas have been one of the most consistent teams in Pro Kabaddi League history, ever since their introduction in season 5. While they have never reached the final of the tournament, they managed to enter the playoffs every single time, from their debut edition to the nineth season.

However, the law of averages finally seemed to have caught up with them last time around. They finished eleventh in the table, with only the Telugu Titans finishing below them. They could only muster up 31 points, with just four wins in twenty-two matches.

As a result, coach Jasveer Singh and co. made a number of tough decisions before the auctions for the eleventh season. While they have not entirely changed their core, they have let go of a number of their stars, who had donned the Yoddhas jersey for a number of years. The likes of Pardeep Narwal, Nitesh Kumar and Gurdeep have found new destinations.

A number of experienced albeit young players have made their way to the squad. Here is how the starting VII could pan out to be, as the Uttar Pradesh-based team aims to win its first ever title.

Young raiders

UP Yoddhas made the big call to release Pardeep Narwal, the most prolific raider in the history of the league. The onus will now be on Surender Gill to take charge. Having had injury concerns last season, scoring 87 points in 10 matches, he would be wanting to make a comeback.

As a replacement for Pardeep, the Yoddhas secured the services of all-rounder Bharat Hooda for a whopping price of Rs. 1.30 Cr. Bharat had scored 279 points in season 9 for the Bengaluru Bulls, to finish second in the list of most raid points. However, his performances last season were below-par scoring only 103 points in 18 matches, and was eventually released.

The 24-year-old, who is known to raid from both sides, would be looking for redemption at his new team.

Iranian Heidarali Ekrami could be the third raider, by virtue of being a left raider who could add variety. While he wasn’t able to create the impact he would have wanted to, during his two seasons at U Mumba, the youngster, with his quick feet movement, has shown glimpses of his immense potential.

The Yoddhas could bank on the experience of Bhavani Rajput, as a substitute, during crunch situations- a role he played to perfection at the Jaipur Pink Panthers.

New faces in defence

The defence is likely to have two old faces and two new names in the starting 7. Sumit Sangwan, one of the most solid left corners in the league, will again ply his trade for the Yoddhas this time. While he has a whopping total of 265 points in 4 seasons, he is also known for making less unsuccessful tackles.

The other recognizable face is Ashu Singh, at the position of right cover. While he has been a consistent performer over the years, he would want to make amends after having scored only 20 tackle points in 18 matches, last season.

UP Yoddhas made another huge decision, releasing Indian international Nitesh Kumar. The team will now have a new right corner in the form of Sahul Kumar this time. Sahul had played a key role in the Jaipur Pink Panthers’ title-winning season 9 campaign, scoring 57 points in 24 matches. Having been in red-hot form in the Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL), he would want to put up similar performances for his new team.

Having let go of Gurdeep too, the Yoddhas will have a new left cover in the form of Mahender Singh. Having been a consistent performer for the Bengaluru Bulls, the lad from Himachal Pradesh couldn’t replicate his performances at U Mumba and was expectedly released.

It will be interesting to see if the new combination in defence can click instantly and give the team a good start.

UP Yoddhas’ predicted starting seven for PKL 11:

Raiders – Surender Gill, Heiderali Ekrami

Defenders – Sahul Kumar (Right Corner), Sumit Sangwan (Left Corner), Ashu Singh (Right Cover), Mahender Singh (Left Cover)

All Rounder– Bharat Hooda

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