Five players who can make a difference in PKL Season 8 semi-finals

These players will be the focus of attention in the penultimate stage of the tournament.

The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) is heading into the final but most crucial stage of the season. The semi-finals will take place following the conclusion of the league stage and eliminators. The Patna Pirates will face UP Yoddha, while Dabang Delhi must fend off the challenge from Bengaluru Bulls in order to secure a place in the final.

Here are is a look at the five players who will most likely make a difference for their teams in the crucial fixtures:

5. Sachin Tanwar (Patna Pirates)

When it comes to raiding, Patna Pirates rely a lot on Sachin Tanwar. This is the fourth season in the PKL for the player, who has previously played for Gujarat Giants. He has scored 164 raid points in 21 matches, putting him 12th in terms of the leading point-scorers. His performances in the last few matches for the Pirates were particularly notable. 

The speedy raider has scored five Super 10s and secures an average of 7.48 points per match, with a 31% rate of successful raids. Patna Pirates are a team that relies on a strong defence, but Tanwar will be a major threat when the players step out for the semi-final match. 

4. Naveen Kumar (Dabang Delhi)

Naveen Kumar has been the secret to Dabang Delhi’s success this season. The raider is blisteringly quick and recently became the fastest to reach 500 points in the history of the PKL. Despite struggling with injuries and playing only 15 matches in the league stage, Kumar managed 183 total points, which is the sixth-highest tally in the competition.

Delhi directly reached the semi-finals after finishing second in the table with 75 points. Naveen Kumar leads Delhi’s raiding department and his performance will be vital against a tough Bengaluru Bulls team. Securing 10 Super 10s in 15 league matches is one of the statistics that describe his quality.

3. Mohammadreza Chiyaneh (Patna Pirates)

Mohammadreza Chiyaneh, also known as "Shadloui," has been one of the finds of PKL Season 8. The 21-year-old has taken the league by storm in his debut campaign playing for the Patna Pirates. The Iranian defender is a powerhouse and instills fear in the raiders from the left corner position, with his tackling strength. 

He has 81 tackle points in the PKL, which is the second-highest this season. Certainly, Chiyaneh will most likely jump to the top spot in the semi-final against UP Yoddha. Furthermore, the defender has nine High-Fives, the highest amongst any player in the PKL this year.

2. Pardeep Narwal (UP Yoddha)

Pardeep Narwal was the record purchase in the mega auction ahead of the start of the season. UP Yoddha had to pay ₹1.65 crores to snatch him from three-time winners Patna Pirates. However, it took time for the record point-getter in the history of the PKL to find his rhythm. 

The "Dubki King is the main reason for UP Yoddha’s semi-final berth, after a sensational 18-point performance against the Puneri Paltan in the eliminator. He has nine Super 10s, which is the fifth-highest for any player this season.

1. Pawan Kumar Sehrawat (Bengaluru Bulls)

"Hi Flyer" Pawan Kumar Sehrawat of Bengaluru Bulls will be a huge threat to Dabang Delhi in the PKL semi-final contest. The skipper of the outfit is the leading player in multiple statistics, such has been his consistency this season. Sehrawat has 17 Super 10s (most), 302 total points ( most) and 229 successful raids (most). 

He is the only player to score more than 300 points this year. Interestingly, he became the first player ever to score a Super 10 and a High-Five in the same fixture, when he achieved the feat against Haryana Steelers. When the Bulls come up against Dabang Delhi, fans will hope that Sehrawat carries his form from the eliminator where he managed 13 points.

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