Haryana Steelers continue their home leg against Puneri Paltan

Haryana Steelers’ home leg sees them up next against Puneri Paltan in Match 16 on Sunday at the Motilal Nehru School of Sports, Rai in Sonepat.

Home team Haryana Steelers will look to bounce back after a tough outing against U Mumba. Haryana Steelers were outstanding in their second game of the season against the Gujarat Fortunegiants and will look to follow that blueprint and level the season series against Puneri Paltan on their own turf.

Puneri Paltan are coming off an intense battle against Dabang Delhi K.C. on Friday where raider Nitin Tomar had an outstanding night, scoring 20 raid points. Puneri Paltan and Tomar will look to continue their good work so far this campaign when they take on Haryana Steelers.

Match 16 (Zone A): Haryana Steelers vs. Puneri Paltan

Head-to-head: Puneri Paltan 3-1 Haryana Steelers

Haryana Steelers will play their third game in three straight days when they take on Puneri Paltan on Sunday. Haryana Steelers were on the receiving end of a brilliant U Mumba performance on Saturday and the team will be itching to get on the mat and brush off the disappointment of that match. Monu Goyat will be looking to lead his side to their second win of the season and give the home fans something to cheer about. Raider Vikash Khandola and corner Kuldeep Singh will be crucial to Haryana Steelers’ chances against Puneri Paltan.

Nitin Tomar delivered a memorable performance in Puneri Paltan’s last outing against Dabang Delhi K.C., where the raider managed a career-high 20 raid points, with 12 touch points and eight bonus points. Puneri Paltan’s corner duo of Sandeep Narwal and captain Girish Maruti Ernak also delivered quality performances, as both managed four tackle points each. Narwal’s solo tackle midway through the second half on raider Chandran Ranjit was one for the ages, as the Right Corner’s display of strength, agility and presence of mind left fans with a highlight to remember. With Puneri Paltan’s terrific trio in good touch, the team would be hoping to grab a win over Haryana Steelers in their own backyard.

The big battle

Nitin Tomar vs. Kuldeep Singh

With three outstanding performances so far, Nitin Tomar has emerged as one of the top scorers of VIVO Pro Kabaddi Season 6. The raider has clocked up 42 points in just three games and seems to be getting better with every passing game. Kuldeep Singh delivered a performance of supreme quality, too, against Gujarat Fortunegiants in his first start at the Left Corner position. He managed seven tackle points with 100% tackle accuracy, outmaneuvering every raider that stepped into Haryana Steelers’ side of the mat. When an in-form raider takes on an in-form corner, expect some heart-stopping moments of individual brilliance.

Key Khiladi

Monu Goyat – Haryana Steelers

Monu Goyat will be looking to break the shackles and come back on a high against Puneri Paltan. With Sandeep Narwal and Girish Maruti Ernak coming off brilliant performances against Dabang Delhi K.C., Goyat will have to shoulder the responsibility of keeping the two defenders off the mat.

Girish Maruti Ernak – Puneri Paltan

Captain Girish Maruti Ernak has been outstanding in defence so far for Puneri Paltan, scoring 10 tackle points in three games. The Left Corner managed four tackle points against Dabang Delhi and was proactive in backing up tackles from his fellow teammates. With Haryana Steelers boasting of a deep and versatile raiding trio of Monu Goyat, Naveen and Vikash Khandola, Ernak’s role as captain and Left Corner will be crucial in determining the outcome of this match.