PKL 12: Key player battles to watch out for in Match 22, Puneri Paltan vs Patna Pirates

Patna Pirates will be eyeing their first win in PKL 12 against Puneri Paltan.

The second week of the Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 (PKL 12) has been one-sided compared to the thrilling first week. Despite the one-sided matches, the intensity of PKL has remained the same, and fans are enjoying the game.

On Day 11 of the PKL 12, the spotlight will be on the match between Patna Pirates and Puneri Paltan. The three-time champions will be desperate to register their first win of the season. After losing the first three matches, last year’s finalist will be hoping for a comeback to get the first win of the season.

Meanwhile, Puneri Paltan are in tremendous form. They played four matches and lost just one match. Pune lost their last game against Dabang Delhi in the Golden Raid by a narrow margin. They will be looking for the fourth win of the season.

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

Ayan Lohchab vs Gaurav Khatri

Ayan Lohchab had a good outing in the last match. He finally completed his Super 10. He has scored 25 points in 3 encounters.

However, he hasn’t been performing up to his potential so far. As a primary raider for the Pirates, Ayan needs to raise his bar further to stop Pune’s defence and help Patna cross the finish line.

On the other hand, Gaurav Khatri is breathing fire on the mat. He has been the backbone of Puneri Paltan‘s defence. He has scored 14 tackle points in 4 matches, including 4 points in the last game. He will be looking for another high five. If Patna needs to win this match, Ayan needs to find a way to stop Gaurav Khatri.

Deepak Rathee vs Aslam Inamdar

Deepak Rathee has started a season on a very low note; being the vice captain for the Pirates, he has managed only 4 tackle points in 3 matches.

He needs to get his previous season form back, as he did a commendable job for the Patna Pirates in the last season. Deepak’s form is a bit worrying, and Patna would want Deepak to give his best so that they can win their first match.

Meanwhile, Aslam has been doing the captain’s job perfectly. He might not be the top raider of the season, but he has taken the crucial points under pressure for the team. If Patna needs to get their first point in the tally, they need to keep Aslam quiet. Moreover, his all-rounder skills are an X-factor in Pune’s lineup.

Ankit Jaglan vs Pankaj Mohite

Ankit Jaglan is the captain of the Patna Pirates this season. He hasn’t looked good so far; he has just managed to get 4 points in 3 matches.

It’s very disheartening to see the last season’s 2nd-best defender not able to score points this season. As the leader of the defence, Ankit’s form is a huge concern for Patna, and he needs to step up and deliver for his team this time.

On the other hand, Pankaj Mohite hasn’t been in his prime form yet. He has had a decent outing so far. However, in the last match, he managed to get just 2 points, which is a worrying sign for the Paltan.

He will be determined to bounce back. If Pankaj plays his role really well and keeps supporting Aslam, Pune will be unstoppable in the match.

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