U.P. Yoddhas, owned by the GMR Group, take on Bengaluru Bulls in match 23 of Pro Kabaddi Season 9 at the Shree Kanteerava Indoor Stadium in Bengaluru on Sunday.

The Yoddhas had a case of ‘so close yet so far’ in their previous matchday, as they suffered a narrow 42-44 defeat to defending champions Dabang Delhi K.C.

Bengaluru Bulls, meanwhile, also enter the fixture fresh from a defeat. The Bulls saw their winning start to the season end in a 33-42 loss to Bengal Warriors.

Players to watch out for - UP Yoddha

While record-breaker Pardeep Narwal continues to rediscover his best in PKL 9, Surender Gill has asserted himself as the most influential raider for the U.P. Yoddhas. Gill has 33 points from three matches, including a 21-point haul in the previous game against Dabang Delhi K.C.

Ashu Singh has continued to be a reliable presence for the Yoddhas in the defence, with 12 tackle points to his name so far.

Players to watch out for - Bengaluru Bulls

Bharat has amassed the most raid points of any Bengaluru Bulls raider this term (25), two more than a well-known name in Vikash Khandola (23). The pair will look to test the resilience of the U.P Yoddhas defence on Sunday.

In defence, Saurabh Nandal has 10 tackle points so far and will be assigned to trap Pardeep Narwal whenever the ‘Dubki King’ attempts to raid in the Bengaluru half.

U.P. Yoddhas vs Bengaluru Bulls | Head-to-Head

U.P. Yoddhas and Bengaluru Bulls have faced each other 11 times, with Bengaluru dominating the head-to-head with seven wins. The Yoddhas meanwhile, have claimed four victories.

In PKL 8, the two teams met twice, with U.P. Yoddhas emerging victorious with a 42-27 scoreline the first time around and the Bulls winning 31-26 in the reverse fixture.

Recent form

U.P. Yoddhas: L, L, W

Bengaluru Bulls: L, W, W