PKL 12: Three players UP Yoddhas should target in auction

UP Yoddhas have made the most retentions ahead of the PKL 12 Auction

UP Yoddhas are one of the most consistent teams in the history of the Pro Kabaddi League. Although they were introduced only in season five, only two teams (Pune and Patna) have qualified for the playoffs more than the Yoddhas. Despite making it to the next stage in six of the seven seasons they have played, the Yoddhas haven’t made it to the Summit clash, and they would want to break that jinx in this season.

Last season saw UP Yoddhas do a complete overhaul of their squad, roping in experienced defenders and young raiders. The move reaped in rewards as they finished third in the points table, losing in a closely fought semifinal to eventual winners Haryana Steelers. For season 12, they have made the most retentions ahead of the Auction, hence they will have the most settled squad.

But, they will be with a minimum purse and would want to make value-buy purchases in the Auction. It would be important to get players who could fit in the roles in the Yoddhas’ setup currently. On that note, let’s look at the three players Yoddhas should Target in the PKL 12 auction.

Also Read: Three players Jaipur Pink Panthers should target in auction

3. Sanket Sawant

Sanket Sawant was an integral part of the Puneri Paltan setup for about half a decade. He played a pivotal role in them building a team from scratch and winning the title. UP Yoddhas would want to hire him to strengthen their defence, which performed well last season. Their cover combo will become one of the best in the competition with Ashu Singh guarding at right cover.

Sanket is one of the only two left covers with 25+ points each in the last four seasons, with Haryana Steelers’ Jaideep being the other one. This speaks volumes about his capabilities and Puneri Paltan will try to get him back. But if UP Yoddhas could go big for the defender, then it could seal their defensive quarter,t which will allow their young raiders to play freely and score points.

2. Vijay Malik

The most difficult thing in building a team in these auction-style franchise leagues is the dynamics of it and how one bid could make a big difference with the strategy. To minimise this impact, teams tend to go after all-rounders as the investments could be in multiple skills. Indian all-rounders are very minimal in PKL, and Vijay Malik is one of the few who has shown consistency over a period of time.

He will be a wonderful addition to the Yoddhaa set up. He has played under coach Jasveer Singh for UP Yoddhas in season 10 when they pooled in a whopping 85 lakhs to bag his services. The all-rounder joined the Titans last year, producing his best-ever season. Vijay could bring in more balance to the starting seven, and allow them to attack more. They played subtle Kabaddi last year, and Vijay could be the boost to play aggressively.

Also Read: PKL 12: Three players Patna Pirates should target in auction

1. Bharat Hooda

Last year, Auction saw UP Yoddhas release Pardeep Narwal and go big on a tall lanky raider in Bharat Hooda. It was a big punt on a 24-year-old with the team shelling 1.3cr. He did form a wonderful trio with Bhavani Rajput and Gagan Gowda, as they were relentless. Although they took time playing empty raids, they still scored enough points to win the game.

He has been released to free some money for the Auction, and he is almost likely to be retained using an FBM (Final Bid Match) card in the auction. They rotated well during the game to keep all three fresh in the final minutes of the game. It was evident in the fact that two of these three featured in the top six of the Do-or-Die Raid points. UP Yoddhas should go all-out to get this left raider as the retained are Right raiders.

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