U.P. Yoddhas, the GMR Group-owned franchise, will lock horns in their reverse fixture with Gujarat Giants in Match 125 of Pro Kabaddi 2023-24 at the Tau Devilal Indoor Stadium on Saturday, February 17, 2024.
Earlier in the season, the Yoddhas missed out on victory against the Giants, going down 30-38, and will look to turn the tables with a win this time. In their previous match, the Yoddhas went down 30-67 against the defending champions Jaipur Pink Panthers and are currently placed 11th in the league table with 29 points and a score difference of -107.
On the other hand, Gujarat Giants made their way to the playoffs after winning 50-28 against Bengaluru Bulls in their previous match. They are currently sitting in the fifth position with 65 points and a score difference of 34.
The match between U.P. Yoddhas and Gujarat Giants will be telecast LIVE on Star Sports Network and can be streamed LIVE on Disney Hotstar on 17th February 2024, 09:00 p.m. (IST) onwards.
Across the seasons of PKL, the Yoddhas and the Giants have faced each other ten times, and the Yoddhas have secured victory on two occasions. Two games ended in a tie.
Before the match, U.P. Yoddhas Head Coach Jasvir Singh said, “This season did not go along with our plans as some unforced injuries affected our line-up. That said, our young players have shown positive character in the last few games and made ample use of the opportunities. I am grateful for all our fans who have supported us throughout, and we will aim to finish the season with a couple of victories.”
In the absence of the senior raiders such as Pardeep Narwal and Surender Gill in the last few matches, the young trio of Gagana Gowda, Anil Kumar, and Mahipal have taken the raiding responsibility on their shoulders and have amassed 67, 24, and 23 raid points respectively in the process.
Sumit has been the highlight for the Yoddhas in defence, as he has earned 60 tackle points so far, featuring in the top 10 list of most tackle points in the tournament. He has been well supported by the duo of Hitesh and Ashu Singh in the last few matches, with the two picking up 21 and 20 tackle points, respectively, in the process.
For the Giants, the raiding duo of Rakesh and Parteek Dahiya will lead the attack, as they have earned 102 and 100 raid points respectively in the tournament so far. Their captain and seasoned defender, Fazel Atrachali, will head the defence, leading the Giants list with 59 tackle points. And he will be assisted by Sombir (51 tackle points) and Deepak Singh (34 tackle points) in the upcoming clash.