Dabang Delhi K.C. aiming to reclaim top spot on the points table when take on Puneri Paltan

Three of vivo Pro Kabaddi’s finest raiders will be in action on Monday.

Maninder Singh and Bengal Warriors will battle Arjun Deshwal and the Jaipur Pink Panthers in the first game. In the second contest, Puneri Paltan will go head-to-head against Naveen Kumar and Dabang Delhi K.C.  

Check out our preview for both matches:

Match 75: Bengal Warriors vs Jaipur Pink Panthers

The Bengal Warriors are coming into this game on the back of a 40-36 loss at the hands of the U.P. Yoddha. Maninder Singh delivered another fabulous performance, scoring 19 points, more than twice as many as the next highest scorer on either team. But it was slim pickings for the Warriors outside of their skipper. Sukesh Hegde scored six points, while the other six players who played for the Warriors combined for only 10. The defence managed only four tackle points, a horrid return from an experienced unit. The Warriors need their star players to find some form if they aim to retain their crown.

The Jaipur Pink Panthers rallied late in their previous outing against the Tamil Thalaivas and rescued a tie. Arjun Deshwal had another big night, scoring 15 raid points for Jaipur. The Pink Panthers’ defence had a rare off night, as they could muster only four tackle points. The defensive unit was also poor in the second half of their game against the Telugu Titans, as they managed only three tackle points. For three straight halves, the Pink Panthers’ defence hasn’t been at its effective best. They’ll look to get back to their usual self against a potent Bengal Warriors raiding unit.

Bengal Warriors vs Jaipur Pink Panthers head-to-head

The Bengal Warriors hold a 9-4 in their head-to-head clashes against the Jaipur Pink Panthers. They beat Jaipur 31-28 in a thriller earlier this season.

Match 76: Puneri Paltan vs Dabang Delhi K.C.

In their previous outing, the Puneri Paltan pulled off a surprise 37-35 victory over the Bengaluru Bulls. Youngster Mohit Goyat made an impact on offence and defence, scoring ten raid points and three tackle points. Sombir and Aslam Inamdar contributed five and six points, respectively, while skipper Nitin Tomar finished the game with four. The Paltan managed to keep their hopes of a playoff spot afloat with the win, but they need to win most of their remaining games to be assured a spot in the top six.

Dabang Delhi K.C. succumbed to a 36-33 loss against the Haryana Steelers in their previous outing. Sandeep Narwal had an impactful night for Delhi and finished the game as the team’s top scorer with nine points. In the second half, Neeraj Narwal came off the bench and scored six raid points, putting himself in contention for a start against the Paltan. While Naveen Kumar’s absence has been a factor, Delhi’s raiding unit has performed decently. It’s their defence that has been worrisome. Delhi’s experienced defensive unit couldn’t muster a single tackle point in the first half against the Steelers and finished the game with only four. Delhi’s defence averages only 7.42 tackle points per game, the lowest of any team in the league. Coach Krishan Kumar Hooda will have to fix the defensive woes, or Delhi’s struggles might continue.   

Puneri Paltan vs Dabang Delhi K.C. head-to-head

Through 17 matches, Puneri Paltan and Dabang Delhi K.C.’s head-to-head series is tied at 8-8. One game between the two sides finished in a tie. Delhi are aiming for a season-sweep against Pune, having already beaten them 41-30 back in December.

PKL Schedule for Monday, January 24

Match 75: Bengal Warriors vs Jaipur Pink Panthers, 7:30 PM IST

Match 76: Puneri Paltan vs Dabang Delhi K.C., 8:30 PM IST

Where to watch vivo Pro Kabaddi live?

Catch all the LIVE action from vivo Pro Kabaddi Season 8 on the Star Sports Network and LIVE streaming on Disney+Hotstar.