Swim-or-sink situation for Bengaluru against U.P. Yoddha

After an exciting Day 2 of the Pune leg, which saw home team Puneri Paltan dominate U Mumba and Tamil Thalaivas upset the mighty Patna Pirates, the action now shifts to Day 3 where two more exciting contests are awaiting kabaddi fans. Here is a look at the games of the day.

Match 126 (Zone B): Bengaluru Bulls vs U.P. Yoddha

Head-to-head: Bengaluru Bulls 0-1 U.P. Yoddha

It is an easy calculation for Bengaluru Bulls in the league now. They have to win all their remaining three contests while making sure U.P. Yoddha don’t manage even a single point from their remaining two matches – both against them. But that is much easier said than done against the team from Lucknow, who come into this contest on the back of Rishank Devadiga’s record-breaking feat in their previous game.

Bengaluru Bulls captain Rohit Kumar will have to fire from the start if the Bulls are to provide any sort of resistance to U.P. Yoddha. He received good support from Ajay Kumar in their previous game and the team will hope for more of the same from the do-or-die specialist. In defence, Ravinder Pahal can make a difference and take his team through.

U.P. Yoddha saw raider Devadiga score a record 28 points in their previous encounter against Jaipur Pink Panthers which will boost the side’s confidence no end. If their captain Nitin Tomar returns for this crucial game then it could be curtains for the Bengaluru Bulls campaign as these two are capable of demolishing even the best defensive line on their day.

Khel Kabaddi Khiladi:

Ravinder Pahal

The seasoned campaigner from the Bengaluru Bulls side has performed below par for much of the season but he peaked in the side’s previous game and scored a High 5 which will boost his confidence against U.P.

Rishank Devadiga

Devadiga’s performances have often been overshadowed by those of Tomar but he proved what he can do against Jaipur and will look to build on that feat to give U.P. another win.

Match 127 (Zone A): Puneri Paltan vs Dabang Delhi K.C.

Head-to-head: Puneri Paltan 6-3 Dabang Delhi K.C.

Dabang Delhi K.C. have not had the best of seasons, suffering 15 losses from their 21 games played so far. They, however, will look to end their campaign on a good note by defeating home side Puneri Paltan in order to give their fans some reason to smile. For the Paltan, though, it is an important game since a win will get them closer to the top spot in Zone A so they will want to leave no stone unturned in order to secure a win.

Dabang Delhi K.C.’s poor showing has come in large part due to their captain Meraj Sheykh’s failure to click after finding some early success in the league. He will have a point to prove in the side’s last league game and will have to do well if Delhi are to stand a chance. The person who has been delivering for Delhi has been Rohit Baliyan. In the absence of Abolfazl Maghsodlou, it will be up to him and R. Sriram to support their captain. The Delhi defence has looked shaky but Swapnil Shinde and Satpal have managed to hold it together well for them in the previous few games.

Puneri Paltan, meanwhile, have a number of aces up their sleeve starting from captain Deepak Hooda, who has been one of their most consistent raiders, right up to Girish Maruti Ernak, the side’s top defender. Another man who can do the damage with his all-round display is Rajesh Mondal. The trio will be a tough combination for Delhi to overcome.

Khel Kabaddi Khiladi:

Rohit Baliyan

Baliyan looked the side’s most lethal raider in their previous game and picked up an impressive 11 points albeit in a losing cause.

Girish Maruti Ernak

With Sandeep Narwal not completely fit, the Pune defence will be led by the young Ernak, who returned with 8 tackle points against U Mumba to prove his talent.

Catch the action live on the Star Sports network and hotstar from 7.30 onwards.