UP Yoddha will look to beat Gujarat Giants at the Sheraton Grand, Whitefield, in Bengaluru on Sunday to increase their chances of clinching a spot in the Pro Kabaddi Season 8 playoffs.
The Yoddhas come into this game on the back of a 41-34 win over Jaipur Pink Panthers, riding on a Pardeep Narwal super 10. The Gujarat Giants also won their previous encounter, edging out Telugu Titans 34-32.
With 57 points, UP Yoddha are placed fourth on the PKL points table currently. Gujarat Giants have 49 points and are at the ninth spot. The top six teams at the end of the group stage make the playoffs.
Players to watch out for - UP Yoddha
Surender Gill continues to lead the raiding charts for UP Yoddha with 165 raid points. He averages at 9.17 raid points per match and has eight super 10s in Pro Kabaddi Season 8.
With 134 raid points, Pardeep Narwal has been a prominent raider for the team. He brought up his sixth super 10 of the season in the previous match.
Among defenders, Sumit and captain Nitesh Kumar, both corners, have done well, pocketing 47 and 46 points, respectively. Sumit has three high 5s, one more than his captain.
Players to watch out for - Gujarat Giants
Rakesh Sungroya has 101 raid points in 17 matches, the most by any Gujarat Giants player. Rakesh Narwal has supported him with 73 raid points in 16 games. They have three and two super 10s respectively.
Parvesh Bhainswal has led the defence for Gujarat Giants with 42 tackle points in 18 games. Girish Maruti Ernak has also played a pivotal role in their team, bagging 30 tackle points in 14 matches.
UP Yoddha vs Gujarat Giants head-to-head
UP Yoddha and Gujarat Giants have faced each other six times in the PKL. The Giants have won three encounters, UP Yoddha have won one, and the teams have drawn twice.
The last time the two teams met was earlier in Pro Kabaddi Season 8 in a game that ended in a 32-32 draw. Pardeep Narwal and Rakesh Narwal pocketed a super 10 each in the match.
Recent form
UP Yoddha - W, W, W, L, L
Gujarat Giants - W, L, W, L, W
