After a few last-minute changes, UP Yoddha will now take on Jaipur Pink Panthers on Friday in their pursuit for a top-six spot in Pro Kabaddi Season 8 at Sheraton Grand, Whitefield, in Bengaluru.

Both teams are coming into this with wins in their previous encounters. While UP Yoddha beat Telugu Titans 34-32, Jaipur Pink Panthers defeated Gujarat Giants 31-36 in their most recent clash.

With 52 points, UP Yoddha currently sit in the fifth position on the PKL points table. Jaipur Pink Panthers are not far behind with just one spot below UP Yoddha with 51 points.

Both teams have had two losses and three wins in the last five matches that they have played.

Players to watch out for - UP Yoddha

Surender Gill continues to sit atop the list of most successful players for UP Yoddha with 156 raid points. He averages at 9.17 raid points per match and has eight super 10s in Pro Kabaddi Season 8.

With 120 points, Pardeep Narwal has also been a prominent raider for the team. He brought up his fifth super 10 of the season in the previous match.

Among defenders, both corners, Sumit and captain Nitesh Kumar have done well, pocketing 47 and 45 points, respectively. Sumit has three high 5s, one more than his captain.

Players to watch out for - Jaipur Pink Panthers

Arjun Deshwal has bagged a handsome number of points in PKL 8. His 188 raid points have come with 11 super 10s at an average of 11.06 raid points per match. Deepak Niwas Hooda sits next at 106 raid points with four super 10s.

Sandeep Kumar Dhull has led the defence unit with 40 tackle points in 14 games. He also has three high 5s to his name. Shaul Kumar has provided him ample support with 39 tackle points in 16 games.

UP Yoddha vs Jaipur Pink Panthers: Head-to-head

UP Yoddha and Jaipur Pink Panthers have met six times in Pro Kabaddi League history and are level at three games each and are yet to tie a match.

The last time the two teams met was earlier in Pro Kabaddi Season 8 which saw the Panthers get the better of UP Yoddha 32-29. Surender Gill and Arjun Deshwal picked super 10s while Deepak Hooda’s nine points made the difference for the Panthers.

Recent form

UP Yoddha - W, W, L, L, L

Jaipur Pink Panthers - W, L, W, W, L