Pro Kabaddi League heavyweight UP Yoddha are set to lockhorns against Bengal Warriors, slated on December 22 in their PKL season 8 opening day. Earlier, UP Yoddha didn’t make their mark in the previous season. Notably, they lost against the mighty Bengaluru Bulls in the Eliminator 1 of season 7. Earlier, the Uttar Pradesh-based franchise lost 31-38 against Gujarat Giants in Qualifier 2 during PKL 6.
Right after its inception, in their debut season Yoddhas’ qualified for Eliminator 1 only to lose to Puneri Paltan by 38-40. During the recently concluded auction for PKL 8, UP Yoddha assured that they have build the strong team who can handle pressure in crucial stages of the game and can help clinch the title.
Check here Vivo Pro Kabaddi League 2021 Schedule
On that note, have a look at reasons why UP Yoddha could again dominate this coming season of Pro Kabaddi League season 8.
1. Pardeep Narwal Presence:
Known as “Dubki King '', Yoddhas’ picked the star raider in the Pro Kabaddi Auction 2021. It was quite shocking when his former team Patna Pirates didn’t retain the 3-time PKL champion. However, the authorities from Pirates later cleared the fact that Pardeep only requested the team management for his release. By taking this opportunity, Yoddhas’ broke the bank and outbid other franchise for the star raider. Additionally, the franchise has shown immense faith in Pardeep by bringing him on board and hence the 3-time PKL champion’s presence will be the key for the dominance of UP Yoddha in PKL 8.
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2. Specialist corner duos:
UP Yoddhas’ have shown faith and retained their specialist corner duos.i.e Nitesh Kumar(right corner) and Sumit (left corner). Talking about their record, the dynamic duo was present in the top 3 of the ‘Most Tackle Points’ list in the previous season. And hence, both the players would like to continue their phenomenal displays which will make the opposition raiders’ tasks more difficult.
3. Proper support provided to Pardeep Narwal:
UP Yoddha heavily banked on 3-time PKL winner Pardeep Narwal. They spent big amounts and acquired him. Pardeep, the 10-star raider, not only for the league but also played a crucial role for his former team in winning the PKL Championship thrice. Notably, Pardeep has clinched 1169 points from 107 encounters. Additionally, he scalped the record of most super 10s and has the record of being first player to grab 50 super raids. Coming to the point, UP Yoddha have the proper resources to support Pardeep with the likes of Shirkant Jadhav and Surender Gill. The two raiders can protect Pardeep and sacrifice for the team whenever needed.
In totality, UP Yoddha would assure no stone unturned in the upcoming season of PKL 8 as they have suitable resources and backups to fill in for every position. And hence, Yoddhas’ would certainly like to win their maiden PKL trophy.
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UP Yoddha full squad: Pardeep Narwal(Raider), Shrikanth Jadhav(Raider), Mohammad Taghi Paein Mahali(Raider), Masud Karim (Raider), Nitesh Kumar(Defender), Sumit(Defender), Surender Gill(Raider), Ashu Singh(Defender), Ankit (Raider), Aashish Nagar (Defender), Gulveer Singh(Raider), Sahil(Raider), Gaurav Kumar(Defender), Gurdeep(All-rounder), Nitin Panwar(All-rounder)
