PKL 12: Key player battles to watch out for in Match 10, Jaipur Pink Panthers vs Patna Pirates

Season 1 Champion will face three-time champion Patna Pirates in an epic clash.

The opening week of Pro Kabaddi League 12 (PKL 12) is barely halfway through, and we have already witnessed some best performances, dramatic turns of events, and great moments.

On day 5, once again, an exciting clash awaits as Nitin Rawal’s Jaipur Pink Panthers will kick off their campaign against Ankit Jaglan’s Patna Pirates.

Jaipur Pink Panthers will play their first match of the PKL 12. On the other hand, Patna Pirates are coming into this match after losing to UP Yoddhas despite leading at the start. Jaipur let go of their star raider, Arjun Deshwal, and invested in Nitin Dhankar to play the same role that Arjun did last year.

Similarly, Patna Pirates, who also let go of their star raider Devank Dalal, will be looking for Ayan Lohchab to fill the shoes of Devank. Both teams will be looking for a fresh start, having let go of their star raider.

On that note, let’s take a look at the key battles to watch out for between the Jaipur Pink Panthers and Patna Pirates in PKL 12.

Nitin Rawal vs Ayan Lohchab

Nitin Rawal had a great season last year. He has been given a new role in the Jaipur Pink Panthers and would like to maintain his performance. Having scored 74 tackle points last season, Nitin was a key defender for his previous team, Bengaluru Bulls.

Now in New Jersey, he will look to replicate the same performance and can be the biggest obstacle to Patna’s raiding unit, especially Ayan.

On the other hand, after Patna let go of Devank, Ayan will have huge shoes to fill. Last season, he provided brilliant support to Devank and was one of their best players. This season, he will be playing as the lead raider.

Ayan scored 9 points in the opening match and showcased himself as one of the top raiders of the Patna Pirates, and once again, he will be entering the mat to prove that Patna can still win without Devank.

Also Read: PKL 12: Jaipur Pink Panthers vs Patna Pirates prediction, possible starting 7, head-to-head & free live stream

Nitin Dhankar vs Ankit Jaglan

Nitin was one of the top performers of Bengal Warriorz last season. He will be donning Jaipur’s jersey this season. This season, the responsibility of the raiding unit will be in the hands of Nitin, and he will try to win the first match for his team.

He can be a threat to the opposition and can never be taken lightly. If Jaipur wants to win the match, then Nitin has to play a crucial role in it. The Patna captain and one of the best defenders last season, Ankit, will be looking to replicate a similar performance this season.

The left corner specialist will be the heart of Patna’s defence and will play a crucial role in helping Patna win the opening match. He scored 3 tackle points in the opening match and will be a threat to the opposition.

Reza Mirbagheri vs Maninder Singh

The second-best defender for Jaipur, Reza, will also be important for Jaipur’s chances. The left cover scored 58 tackle points last year and was one of the best cover defenders for the season.

Jaipur have shown faith in him, and he will be looking to prove Jaipur right this time as well. Moreover, his raiding ability provides an x-factor to the team, as he can raid at crucial junctures and save his team.

Meanwhile, Maninder Singh, after having a poor outing last season, started season 12 with 7 points and provided crucial support to Ayan. Maninder will try to do the same in the second match as well.

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