PKL 12: Key player battles to watch out for in Match 35, UP Yoddhas vs Bengal Warriorz

Both teams will be looking for their first win in the Jaipur leg.

Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 (PKL 12) has once again taken a splendid start with some magnificent matches. However, UP Yoddhas and Bengal Warriorz cannot say the same. They have had a disappointing start to the season and are both placed at the bottom of the points table.

UP Yoddhas are currently in the ninth position with two wins in five matches. At the same time, Bengal Warriorz are at the bottom of the table with a single win in five games.

Bengal Warriorz have consistently missed the presence of a second raider, along with some more authority in their defence. On the other hand, UP Yoddhas’ defence has let them down big time this season.

In the upcoming clash between these teams, both will have their weak points, and the team that can mask them better will win. On that note, let’s take a look at the key battles to watch out for between the UP Yoddhas and Bengal Warriorz in PKL 12.

Bhavani Rajput vs Nitesh Kumar

UP Yoddhas’ raiders have also struggled until now this season. Bhavani Rajput is one of their main raiders who has yet to find his rhythm. Rajput has scored just 14 raid points in 5 matches and has looked out of form. If UP Yoddhas needs to make a comeback soon, their raiders, including Rajput, have to deliver.

On the other hand, Nitesh Kumar is one of the most experienced defenders in the Bengal Warriroz lineup. He was a tremendous addition in the previous season and was their most successful defender in PKL 11.

However, in the first leg of Season 12, Kumar hasn’t been at his best. He has only got eight tackle points in 4 matches. Moving into the second leg, the captain will have more expectations from him, and if he can start extracting points in the defence, Devank will get much-needed support from this experienced campaigner.

Also Read: PKL 12: UP Yoddhas vs Bengal Warriorz prediction, possible starting 7, head-to-head & free live stream

Gagan Gowda vs Ashish Malik

Gagan Gowda has been the only raider who has found his rhythm and is playing to his strengths. His strength has always been in extracting bonus points, and he has got them in abundance.

However, as his touch points are fewer, he fails to provide revivals for his team. If Gowda can add that aspect to his game and deliver it in the upcoming matches, his role will become even more vital.

Ashish Malik will have to perform well if Bengal Warriorz want their second win of the season. Malik has still not been in form yet this season. He had a decent PKL 11, where he scored 46 tackle points playing for Dabang Delhi.

However, he hasn’t been able to do the same for the Warriorz yet. Malik has scored 11 tackle points in 4 matches, which can be improved.

If Malik can find a good synchronization with the other corner, they might put pressure on UP Yoddhas’ defense and make a strong case for themselves in the next match.

Devank Dalal vs Sumit Sangwan

Devank Dalal has once again dominated the opponents and has showcased phenomenal performance in season 12 as well. Dalal has scored a Super 10 in every single match and has 76 raid points in 5 games.

However, Bengal have failed to show their dominance on the points table due to a lack of support from other players. Sumit Sangwan’s UP Yoddhas will have an easy task going into this match.

Restrict Devank with minimum on-court time, and half of the battle will be in their hands. Yoddhas’ captain, Sumit, has had a decent start to the season. If Yoddhas have to win, then Sumit will have to continue his good performance.

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