PKL 12: Key player battles to watch out for in Match 57, Haryana Steelers vs Jaipur Pink Panthers

Haryana Steelers will look to get back to winning ways in PKL 12 against Jaipur Pink Panthers.

After two amazing legs in Vizag and Jaipur, the Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 (PKL 12) has reached Chennai. Haryana Steelers played their first match of the Chennai leg on Monday against Dabang Delhi. Unfortunately, they ended up on the losing side that day.

In their next match, Haryana Steelers will face Jaipur Pink Panthers, who are also coming in with a loss. The Pink Panthers have a lot to figure out, as their overdependency on Nitin Dhankhar makes them very vulnerable.

Narender Redhu’s Pink Panthers are currently standing in the fifth position with five wins and four defeats. On the other hand, Haryana Steelers are in the third position with six wins and three losses. The Steelers look more balanced than the Jaipur Pink Panthers.

However, the Pink Panthers are the dark horses of the season, whose young players roar out of nowhere and clinch a win one after another. On that note, let’s take a look at the key battles to watch out for between Haryana Steelers and Jaipur Pink Panthers in PKL 12.

Shivam Patare vs Reza Mirbagheri

Shivam Patare has been in good form for Haryana Steelers so far. He has scored 72 raid points in 9 matches, including 2 Super 10s.

Patare’s rhythm against Jaipur Pink Panthers will be crucial. If he gets going, he can put up a strong challenge for the Pink Panthers. However, it will not be a cake walk, as a solid experienced defender like Reza Mirbagheri will be against him.

Reza has been a stellar performer for the Pink Panthers over the years. Even in this season, he has played aggressively and is one of the most important pillars of their defence. He has scored 19 tackle points in 9 matches.

Vinay Tewatia vs Aryan Kumar

Vinay Tewatia has been in fabulous form lately. He scored 18 raid points against Dabang Delhi and was one of the biggest reasons that game ended up being so close. In PKL 12, Tewatia has scored 74 raid points in 8 matches, including 3 Super 10s. He will once again be expected to play the anchor role against the Pink Panthers.

For the Jaipur Pink Panthers, Aryan Kumar has been a standout defender. As a young defender, he replaced the captain, Nitin Rawal, from the left corner and has done a great job in that position. Aryan has scored 14 tackle points in 7 matches. If Aryan restricts Vinay from scoring points, the Pink Panthers can push the Haryana Steelers on the back foot.

Nitin Dhankhar vs Jaideep Dahiya

Nitin Dhankhar has been the lone warrior, as far as the Jaipur Pink Panthers‘ raiding department is concerned. He got a little support from Ali Samadi and Sahil Satpal in a couple of matches, but they haven’t been consistent at all.

However, Dhankhar has been phenomenal this season and continues to bring crucial points for his team. Nitin has scored 109 raid points in 9 matches, including 7 Super 10s.

On the other hand, Haryana Steelers’ captain, Jaideep Dahiya, will be the biggest challenge for him. Jaideep has been tremendous for his team so far. He has scored 31 tackle points in 9 matches, including 3 High 5s.

If he can restrict Nitin Dhankhar with his aggressive defending, he might turn half of the battle in his team’s favor.

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