PKL 9 Day 2 live updates: Haryana Steelers vs Bengal Warriors

07:30 Hello and welcome to Khel Now’s live updates of Day 2 of Pro Kabaddi League Season 9.

Patna Pirates vs Puneri Paltan

Last Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) season, Patna Pirates were the most consistent team. They topped the table only to lose in the finals to Dabang Delhi. Patna Pirates defense made their opponents sweat for every point. Playing in his first season at left corner Mohammadreza decimated opponents with ease. But unfortunately for the Pirates, he won’t be available for the first game.

Last time, Puneri Paltan got into their act a little too late. Despite some courageous performances that helped them reach the play-off, they were unable to compete with the stronger teams. However, the Paltan can present surprises this time. To bolster their defence, they acquired Iranians Fazel Attrachali and Mohamad Nabibaksh for season 9 but they too won’t be available for the game.

Head to head record

Both sides have faced each other 17 times in the competition and Patna has beaten the Pune based franchise on 13 occasions while Pune has won just 2 games against the Pirates.

Tamil Thalaivas vs Gujarat Giants

Tamil Thalaivas will be eager to start the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) season 9 well against Gujarat Giants and get to the playoffs for the first time since their inception in season 5. Season 8 was a topsy-turvy season where the southern side tied 6 matches and couldn’t progress to the playoffs due to small errors.

Gujarat Giants after finishing finalists in seasons 5 and 6 will look to stamp their mark in this season 9 as well but will be without their coach Manpreet Singh who has been replaced by Ram Mehar Singh. Ram Mehar has guided Patna Pirates to multiple titles and will look to start his new campaign on a bright note.

Head to Head

Gujarat Giants hold a formidable 4-2 lead against the Tamil Thalaivas. In the last three encounters since season 7 Gujarat has beaten the southern side in all the encounters. 

Player to watch out for

Gujarat Giants are heavily banking on their youngsters to come good with the addition of Shankar Gadai who has performed well in the Yuva Kabaddi series. Tamil Thalaivas will rely heavily on Pawan Sehrawat who will have to shoulder the responsibility both as a captain and raider.

Bengal Warriors vs Haryana Steelers

Both Haryana Steelers and Bengal Warriors could not make it to the playoffs in PKL season 8 finishing 7th and 9th respectively. Both the teams have currently appointed new coaches ( Haryana – Manpreet Singh, Bengal Warriors – Baskaran) and will look to change their fortunes in PKL 9.

Player to watch

Haryana Steelers have picked up a young Iranian defender Amir Hossein Bastami who has led Iran at the Junior World Cup. Bastami will combine with the experienced Joginder Narwal to form a formidable duo against Maninder Singh.

Deepak Niwas Hooda will play a major role in the attack as a secondary raider and shall look to help the defence.