PKL 12: Key player battles to watch out for in Match 7, Patna Pirates vs UP Yoddhas

Season 11 runners-up, Patna Pirates, will play their season opener against the UP Yoddhas.

Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 (PKL 12) has kicked off with another thrilling season. Two days into the season, and we have already witnessed two tie-breakers. Today, in match 7 of PKL 12, season 11 runners-up, Patna Pirates, will face the in-form UP Yoddhas.

UP Yoddhas have played one match this season and have proven themselves to be a balanced side. On the other hand, the Patna Pirates will play their first match of the season and will be looking for an early win to kick off their campaign.

UP Yoddhas displayed a complete performance against Telugu Titans in their first clash. Both the raiders and defenders performed well, as the captain, Sumit Sangwan, led from the front with 8 tackle points. If Patna Pirates want to give their best performance in tomorrow’s match, they have to be perfect in all their departments.

Both teams are filled with match-winners, but here are a few player battles that might decide the result of the match. On that note, let’s take a look at the key battles to watch out for between the Patna Pirates and UP Yoddhas.

Gagan Gowda vs Ankit Jaglan

With the departure of Bharat Hooda and the absence of Surender Gill in the starting 7, Gagan Gowda has taken the responsibility of the main raider.

Gowda played a vital role in the team’s first win against the Titans, where he scored a Super 10. Gagan scored 14 points, including 10 touches and 4 bonus points. Moving into the next match, the management would have similar expectations of the young raider.

On the other hand, the Pirates’ captain, Ankit Jaglan, will have the responsibility to set a plan for Gowda to restrict the in-form raider from scoring excessive points.

Jaglan had a spectacular PKL 11, where he scored 79 tackle points, including 4 High 5s. If he can put pressure on Gowda, the Yoddha raiders might falter, which could benefit the Pirates.

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

Guman Singh vs Deepak Singh

Guman Singh is another fantastic raider who showed a spark of form in UP’s first match. Singh scored at crucial junctures and secured 7 touch points. He played the role of the second raider, and his combination with Gowda and Bhavani Rajput kept the Yoddhas from collapsing a couple of times.

Whereas Deepak Singh will be another defender who will have a huge responsibility to stop the raiding force of UP Yoddhas.

He played a vital role in the Pirates’ success in Season 11, where he scored 64 tackle points and 12 raid points. If Patna Pirates‘ defence combination clicks well, we will see another fabulous encounter of PKL 12.

Ayan Lohchab vs Sumit

Ayan Lohchab played the role of the second raider in Season 11 and did it superbly. However, in PKL 12, in the absence of Devank Dalal, Ayan might be the main raider for the Pirates. He started brilliantly and scored 184 raid points, including 7 Super 10s. It will be interesting to see how he responds to the added responsibilities this season.

Ayan was one of the raiders who kept the momentum going for Patna last season. If UP Yoddhas have to dominate against the Pirates, Sumit has a massive responsibility to keep him quiet.

Sumit showed glimpses of his brilliant form in the first match of the season, where he scored 8 tackle points. Whichever of these players dominates tomorrow’s encounter will take their team to victory.

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