PKL 12: Key player battles to watch out for in Match 4, U Mumba vs Gujarat Giants

Both teams have excellent defensive units.

Season two champions U Mumba will start their Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 (PKL 12) campaign against two-time finalists Gujarat Giants. There are many big names in the defence of both these teams, so a great match is expected between them.

The Giants have injected young blood into the team by signing star Iranian all-rounder Mohammadreza Shadloui. On the other hand, U Mumba have a dangerous cousin cover duo of Sunil Malik and Parvesh Malik. Both teams would like to start their campaign with a solid win.

On that note, let’s take a look at the key battles to watch out for between U Mumba and Gujarat Giants in PKL 12.

Amirmohammad Zafardanesh vs Mohammadreza Shadloui

The battle between the two Iranian players will be the biggest clash of the day, as both players represent the same national team and are familiar with each other.

Zafardanesh had an average season last season and will be looking to improve this year. He had 65 raid points and 23 tackle points in Season 11. However, with the talent he has, he can never be taken lightly.

On the other hand, Mohammadreza Shadloui, the MVP of the last season, will be a major threat to U Mumba’s raiders.

Shadloui was the top defender last year with 82 tackle points while playing for Haryana Steelers. It is expected that he will repeat the same performance this year. If U Mumba needs to win, they have to stop Shadloui on the mat.

Also Read: PKL 12: U Mumba vs Gujarat Giants prediction, possible starting 7, head-to-head & free live stream

Sunil Kumar vs Rakesh Sangroya

U Mumba‘s captain will play a crucial role in U Mumba’s campaign this year and will be looking to perform well today against Gujarat. He earned 54 points last year, and his role will be crucial for U Mumba.

He is one of the best right covers in this league, and Gujarat needs to find a way to escape the defence of Sunil Kumar.

On the other hand, Rakesh Sangroya will be a great threat to U Mumba’s defence. He played as the support raider last year, and in the absence of Guman Singh, he can be the main raider for the Gujarat Giants and can become a headache for U Mumba. He scored 82 points last year.

Parvesh Bhainswal vs Parteek Dahiya

One of the best left covers, Parvesh Bhainswal, scored 38 tackle points last season. Moreover, the cover duo of Sunil and Parvesh is a dangerous one, and they can be a headache for the opposition side. If Gujarat Giants want to win, they will have to find a way to tackle both Parvesh and Sunil’s challenge.

On the other hand, Parteek Dahiya, who didn’t get to play all matches last year, will be one of the key raiders this year for Gujarat Giants. If anyone can stop the cover duo of U Mumba, it’s Parteek. His presence provides versatility on the Gujarat side.

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