U.P. Yoddha look to replace Jaipur Pink Panthers in top 6

Jaipur Pink Panthers face U.P. Yoddha in Match 93 of vivo Pro Kabaddi Season 7 at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Mahalunge, Balewadi in Pune on Monday with their spot in the top six on the line. Both, Jaipur Pink Panthers and U.P. Yoddha, currently sit on 42 points and the winner of this contest will decide if Jaipur Pink Panthers stay ahead or U.P. Yoddha leapfrog them into the top six. The teams have an even record so far and the winner of this contest will walk away with bragging rights in this matchup going forward.

Match 93: Jaipur Pink Panthers vs U.P. Yoddha

Head-to-head: Jaipur Pink Panthers 2 – 2 U.P. Yoddha

Jaipur Pink Panthers

Played: 15

Won: 7

Tied: 1

Lost: 7

Win Rate: 46.67%

Best Raider: Deepak Hooda

Best Defender: Sandeep Dhull

Jaipur Pink Panthers have gone six matches without a single victory after an exceptional start to the season and now find themselves fighting to hold onto their position in the top six. The team has had a number of their recent matches go down to the wire and will desperately be looking for a return to winning ways as they head towards their home leg. Skipper Deepak Hooda heads their attack but the lack of a consistent second raider has seen the team fall from its earlier formidable position. Sushil Gulia came off the bench in their previous match to finish as the team’s most successful raider and he might get more of a look-in on Monday. Sandeep Dhull has been their mainstay in defence and the return of Amit Hooda in the opposite Corner saw the duo combine for 8 of the team’s 9 tackle points in their previous match. They will have to keep performing at their peak and hope for support from Pavan TR and Elavarasan if they are to overcome the Shrikant Jadhav-led U.P. Yoddha attack.

U.P. Yoddha

Played: 14

Won: 7

Tied: 2

Lost: 5

Win Rate: 50.00%

Best Raider: Shrikant Jadhav

Best Defender: Sumit

U.P. Yoddha’s recent form has seen them win five of their last six matches as compared to only two victories in their earlier eight matches. Shrikant Jadhav has taken over lead raider responsibilities in this period and delivered when it mattered. Rishank Devadiga also looked to be regaining his touch as he scored 5 raid points in 11 raids in the team’s previous match against Gujarat Fortunegiants. Surender Gill is another player who has shown some impressive talent on both sides of the mat, and he could be a key all-round player against Jaipur Pink Panthers. Sumit has been a rock in defence for the side and he walked away with another High 5 in their previous outing. Skipper Nitesh Kumar, too, has been finding his rhythm again which has seen the team average 10.64 tackle points per match – the third-best in the season so far. If the duo can take care of Deepak Hooda consistently, Jaipur Pink Panthers’ attack could struggle to get going on Monday.