Star Sports Pro Kabaddi League is back with its third season after two editions full of pulsating action that has made the country fall in love with the sport again. With the league entering its third campaign, there are already several icons for the fans, for whom they flock the stadiums and tune into their television sets at 7:50 pm in the evening.
With every passing season, there has been an increase to new rivalries in the league and the fans of every team would have marked out a few fixtures which they would want to catch at all costs.
As we lie at the cusp of yet another action packed season, we take a look at ten most awaited games of Star Sports Pro Kabaddi Season 3:
Telugu Titans vs U Mumba – 30th January 2016
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The new season couldn’t have had a better beginning with two of the strongest teams going head to head in the season opener at Vizag. U Mumba, who would want to defend their crown, will get an early chance to put down one of its toughest challengers in Telugu Titans. However, with home advantage on their side, the Telugu Titans would be looking to deal U Mumba an opening blow and thus give out an early statement of intent.
Jaipur Pink Panthers vs U Mumba – 31st January 2016
A replay of the final of Season 1, it is a game which has become highly anticipated thanks to the arch rivalry between the two teams. Jaipur are the only team to beat U Mumba twice and the only one to get the better of them on home soil (in the final). Although, the two teams face off in Vizag, U Mumba would like to get one over the Jaipur Pink Panthers and set the record straight with the former champions. Pink Panthers, on the other hand, would be doubly determined to continue their good record against U Mumba as they look to shake off last season’s disappointment.
Bengaluru Bulls vs Telugu Titans – 6th February 2016
A replay of last season’s semi-final, is this season’s first South-Indian derby. The two teams go head to head at Bengaluru’s Sree Kanteerava Indoor Stadium as the Telugu Titans would look to avenge their loss to the Bulls in last year’s semi-final. The Bulls have been weakened with the loss of Manjeet Chhillar and Ajay Thakur and that will give the Titans the chance to get one over their neighbours.
U Mumba vs Bengaluru Bulls – 10th February 2016
The repeat of last season’s final will happen at the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Indoor Stadium in Kolkata and promises to be a cracking game. Despite being slightly less strong compared to last season, the Bengaluru Bulls would be keen to avenge their defeat in the final. With season 1 wonder Surjeet Narwal back fit, the Bulls will be confident of avenging their loss in the final. It’s usually a thrilling game when these two sides meet and the fans would be hoping it will be no different this time around.
Puneri Paltan vs U Mumba – 13th February 2016
The first Maharashtra derby of the Star Sports Pro Kabaddi season will see Puneri Paltan at home. The Maratha Warriors have lost all their games against U Mumba so far, but a revamped Paltan side would be hoping to turn the tables on U Mumba this time around. A win for Puneri Paltan will go a long way in helping them qualify for the semi-finals and establish bragging rights.
Patna Pirates vs U Mumba – 19th February 2016
Yet another game featuring the defending Champions, this game will be a repeat of last year’s semi-final where U Mumba emerged victorious against the Pirates after a dominant display. Another element which adds extra spice to this game is the fact that Rakesh Kumar, who was the skipper of Patna Pirates for the last two seasons jumped ship to the Mumbai-based outfit. After a wretched relationship with the Pirates, the fans might make it a hostile environment for U Mumba’new recruit.
Jaipur Pink Panthers vs Patna Pirates – 23rd February 2016
It was an epic battle between these two clubs for the fourth and final semi-final spot last season. A resolute performance from the Patna Pirates dethroned the then, defending champions Jaipur Pink Panthers. When the Panthers host the Pirates, they will be desperate to avenge that loss and thus give their home fans some solace.
Bengaluru Bulls vs Puneri Paltan – 27th February 2016
There is not much of a rivalry between these two sides, despite the duo contesting two extremely tight games last season. However, this game will pitch Bengaluru Bulls’ ex-players Manjeet Chhillar and Ajay Thakur, who now play for the Puneri Paltan, against their former club. It will be an emotional game for the Bengaluru Bulls fans to see their heroes practise their trade for some other team, but nevertheless they will be eagerly awaiting this match-up to show why the duo made a mistake.
Dabang Delhi vs Telugu Titans -24th February 2016
The two most attacking sides from last season will face off at the Thyagaraj Sports Complex, Delhi. The two sides produced an absolute thriller when these two sides last met in Delhi as the game ended in a 45-45 draw with plenty of late drama. With the game coming at a crunch time in the campaign, another such game could truly entertain the spectators.
U Mumba vs Dabang Delhi – 2nd March 2016
The last game of the group stage of the Pro Kabaddi League is another cracking game. U Mumba and Dabang Delhi are probably the pick of the teams this season and possess some of the most talented players in the league. The two teams are front-runners for the semi-final spot and the last match of the league could prove to be decisive in who faces who in the knockout stage. The schedule-makers have indeed preserved the best until the last here.
