With all the PKL 10 league matches done, all the six spots for the playoffs have been occupied, and it is time now for the Eliminators. The top 2 teams in Pro Kabaddi this season — Puneri Paltan and Jaipur Pink Panthers — have already qualified for the semis, while Patna Pirates, Gujarat Giants, Dabang Delhi & Haryana Steelers will have to play a match extra, to go to the last four in PKL.
The Pro Kabaddi eliminators will take place on Feb 26, in Hyderabad, with Dabang Delhi taking on Patna Pirates in the first match, and Gujarat Giants taking on Haryana Steelers in the second match.
Which Teams Could Make it to PKL Semis?
On current form, Dabang Delhi and Patna Pirates are on par, having won three out of their last five matches, losing one, and tying one. But form would hardly matter, given both teams will enjoy a longish break. Similar is the case with Gujarat and Haryana, who have lost just one in the last five encounters.
Dabang Delhi
After Naveen Kumar was ousted in the tournament early, the team’s raiding unit under Ashu Malik has been exceptional. Ashu himself has scored 257 raid points, while defence has fired with right corner Yogesh firing all cylinders, with 65 tackle points to his name. They have an average of 40.36 successful raid points in each match, which makes them a highly potent raiding team. On the other hand, defence is heavily reliant on Yogesh to fire, which could be a problem.
Verdict: Tipped to make semis.
Patna Pirates
Raiding has been bit of a problem for them in PKL this season. Only Sachin (170) has been impressive so far in the department, while Manjeet has largely been ineffective with 111 points in 20 matches. They would need more firepower there. As for the defence, they have done well collectively, with Krishan and Ankit shouldering responsibility.
Verdict: Could be tough vs Delhi.
Gujarat Giants
Raiding has been their biggest weakness in the tournament, and to secure points in the match, you need to have excellent raiders. Only Parteek Dahiya has been somewhat successful with 136 points in 19 matches. Rakesh has flopped with only 109 points. In defence, Fazel Atrachali has been brilliant once again, and has been supported well by Sombir and Deepak Singh. But they really need some miracle in raiding unit to go through.
Verdict: Over-reliance on defence could prove costly.
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Haryana Steelers
Steelers have once again been defence-heavy team in this Pro Kabaddi season. Vinay is their most successful raider with 109 points. Whereas in defence, Mohit Nandal and Jaideep Dahiya have combined well, securing 116 tackles together. So it’s clear, the better defensive team, on the day, between Haryana and Gujarat will go through.
Verdict: Looks 50-50.
