U.P. Yoddhas, the GMR group-owned franchise, will go all guns blazing against table-toppers Bengal Warriors tomorrow in Match 29 of Pro Kabaddi 2023-24 at Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Pune. The Yoddhas had lost their previous match against Bengaluru Bulls 38-36 in a closely fought encounter in Bengaluru. They currently occupy the sixth position on the PKL 2023-24 table with 12 points and a score difference of 4.
On the other end, table-toppers Bengal Warriors suffered their first defeat of the Pro Kabaddi 2023-24 season on Saturday to hosts Puneri Paltans (49-19) but remain on top of the table with 18 points from five matches and a zero score difference.
The match between U.P. Yoddhas and Bengal Warriors will be telecast LIVE on Star Sports Network and can be streamed LIVE on Disney Hotstar on December 18, 2023, from 08:00 p.m. (IST) onwards.
Statistically, both teams have faced each other 12 times in the history of the Pro Kabaddi League, with each team winning four times and the other four encounters ending in ties.
Speaking before the Match, U.P. Yoddhas Head Coach Jasveer Singh said, “While we take pride in our overall performance, our unwavering focus is on pinpointing and rectifying our weaknesses. We consistently try to elevate our gameplay, ensuring our fans and management find joy in our achievements. Our commitment is to deliver results and moments of celebration for everyone associated with U.P. Yoddhas”.
Star raider Surender Gill has been sensational, putting up big numbers for his side. He has 33 successful raids and 42 raid points. He aims to maintain this momentum with the support of Dubki King Pardeep Narwal, who has 33 raid points from four matches.
The rock-solid defence unit of the Yoddhas has also demonstrated its true grit on the mat. Sumit has 14 Successful Tackles and Tackle Points guarding the left corner for his side. Former captain Nitesh Kumar and Gurdeep have successfully prevented opponent raiders from capitalizing on their attempts.
Bengal Warriors have their dangerous Captain, Maninder Singh, who is in top form with 45 raid points and 34 successful raids and is ably supported by Nitin Kumar, who has 26 points, and Shrikant Yadav, who has 24 points. The defence has also been in good form, with right defender Shubham Shinde leading the league with 18 tackle points supported by Vaibhav Garje and Aditya Shinde, and they will look to keep the U.P. Yoddhas in form raiders on bay.