PKL 11: Three reasons why Haryana Steelers can win Pro Kabaddi 2024

Haryana Steelers are currently at the top of the PKL 11 points table.

Pro Kabaddi 2024 (PKL 11) enters its third and final leg in Pune. The race for the playoffs spot is really heating up, with the difference between second-placed Patna Pirates and eighth-placed UP Yoddhas being just nine points. It is not an exaggeration to say that this has been the most competitive PKL season in a long time.

However, one team has been a cut above the rest till now. After finishing as runners-up last season, Haryana Steelers are the favourites to win their first title this season. Haryana have earned 61 points in 15 matches. Steelers have won twelve matches and lost the other three. In their last ten games, they have won nine. It is not about the number of victories alone it is about the margin too.

In their last three matches, the margins of victories have been 12 (vs Tamil Thalaivas), 10 (vs Puneri Paltan), and 13 (vs Jaipur Pink Panthers). This dominance shows that the team is full of confidence and that they have a lot of momentum. With the top two teams at the end of the season, avoiding the eliminators, and getting a direct entry into the semifinals, Haryana would firmly have their eyes set on one of these spots.

Also Read: PKL 11: Top five young raiders in Noida leg of Pro Kabaddi 2024

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On that note, let’s know the top three reasons why Haryana Steelers can win the PKL 11 title.

1. Star-studded defence

Coach Manpreet Singh has stressed that rather than having star raiders, a strong and cohesive defensive unit can win a team title. With this philosophy, his teams have delivered consistently season after season. The one chink the Steelers had in their defense last season, was the left corner position.

The management rectified that in the auction by signing Iranian Mohammadreza Chiyaneh Shadloui at a whopping price of Rs. 2.07 Cr. They were dealt a blow before the start of the season though, with right cover Mohit Nandal being released from the squad.

After chopping and changing a bit, the team zeroed down on Sanjay for that position and the unit now looks tough to crack. Steelers are second on the list of most tackle points (182), just one behind Thalaivas, who have also been guilty of more unsuccessful tackles. Individually too, the stats are staggering for the Steelers. Rahul Sethpal has 47 tackle points in 15 matches (with 68% strike rate), Shadloui has 49 tackle points in 15 matches, Sanjay has 35 tackle points in 15 matches and Jaideep has 22 tackle points in 12 matches.

2. Young raiders clicking in unison

A defender can’t score more than 2 points in an attempt, which makes it mandatory that a team must have a decent raiding unit to at least support their defense. Much was made of the Steelers strategy to not go after a high-profile raider in the auction, despite there being many big names. However, the young raiding unit, led by Vinay and Shivam Patare have vindicated this decision.

Also Read: PKL 11: Top five young defenders in Noida leg of Pro Kabaddi 2024

The team currently sit at the second in the list of most raid points (304), behind the Patna Pirates. Both Vinay, who has 108 raid points in 15 games, and Shivam, with 85 raid points in 15 games, have been on fire this season.

The likes of Vishal Tate (1 Super 10), Naveen, Sanskar Mishra, and Jaya Soorya too have had small but impactful contributions. To top it up, Shadloui has 36 raid points in the competition! He has gone in for pursuits, thus catching defenses unaware, and also made raids in super tackle situations, making full use of his speed.

3. Experience of playing big matches

When talent meets skill, success is inevitable. The Haryana Steelers unit now has the experience of playing in crunch situations and big matches. For starters, coach Manpreet Singh is no stranger to finals. Having lifted the trophy captaining the Patna Pirates side in season 3, he has already reached three finals as a coach- twice with the Gujarat Giants, in their first two seasons of inception and with the Haryana Steelers, in the previous season.

While he has ended up on the wrong side in each of the three attempts, the former Indian international must be sensing that he is now very close to clinching silverware.

Since the Steelers unit resembles the one that played the final last time, the players are likely to be more composed about the knockouts this time. The new addition, Shadloui, has already played two finals and was, in fact, part of the victorious Puneri Paltan unit last time. The likes of Vinay, Shadloui, Jaideep, and Rahul have played 70+ PKL matches, which means that they have been through thick and thin. This experience is going to be invaluable if the side has to go all the way this time.

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