Pro Kabaddi League 11 semifinal: Haryana Steelers aims for consecutive finals against resurgent UP Yoddhas
Pro Kabaddi League 11 semifinal: Haryana Steelers aims for consecutive finals against resurgent UP Yoddhas
Season 10 runner-up Haryana Steelers will lock horns with a resurgent UP Yoddhas outfit at the Sree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex for a spot in the Pro Kabaddi League final on Friday.
The Yoddhas would hope to carry its electric form into the last four and make the final for the very first time, while the Haryana-based franchise will look to enter the summit clash for the second straight season.
However, standing in the Steelers’ path is the in-form Yoddhas’ versatile raiding unit, which is riding high on the back of its emphatic victory in the eliminator over two-time champion Jaipur Pink Panthers.
Its raiding trio of Bhavani Rajpur, Gagan Gowda and Bharat Hooda has been firing on all cylinders, while the defensive unit, marshalled by Hitesh and Sumit, has displayed exceptional solidity. Alongside veteran defender Mahender Singh, youngster Ashu Singh has helped form one of the most dynamic defensive units in the league.
However, the Steelers, known for their well-rounded playing style, will be looking to capitalise on its excellent run of form. Under the guidance of coach Manpreet Singh, the side has managed to top the league table with dominant performances.
Haryana’s raiding cauldron will be bolstered by the duo of Vinay and Shivam Patare.
It also has an enigmatic Iranian all-rounder in Mohammadreza Chiyaneh Shadloui, who besides being a defensive lynchpin doubles up as an effective third raider. The left-corner defender, who was last season’s best defender (playing for Puneri Paltan), is yet again topping the defensive charts among teams that qualified for the knockouts with 76 tackle points in 22 matches.
Apart from Shadloui, Steelers also have a dominant defensive unit, led by skipper Jaideep Dahiya alongside Rahul Sethpal and Sanjay Dhull, and will look to stop the Yoddhas’ in-form raiders.
Both teams, boasting a potent mix of experience and youthful exuberance, have defeated each other once in the league stage this season.
