The Haryana Steelers will take on the Tamil Thalaivas in the first game of a double-header on Sunday, 4th August at the Patliputra Sports Complex, Patna at 7:30 PM IST as part of Pro Kabaddi 2019.
Both these sides come off losses to the Jaipur Pink Panthers and the Patna Pirates respectively and will look to get a win in this encounter.
The Haryana Steelers play this match after losing two games on the trot and the absence of their main raiding duo of Prashanth Kumar Rai and Vikash Khandola is hurting them.
The Thalaivas, meanwhile have had a knack of losing close games and have been dented by two one-point defeats to Dabang Delhi KC and the Patna Pirates so far. They have to hold their nerve during the key situations and also generate more points from a raiding perspective which will be a key feature to watch out for.
Haryana Steelers
Key Players: Naveen, Dharmaraj Cheralathan and Sunil
The Steelers' raiding unit has managed to stay afloat without their main men thanks to some exceptional raiding from young Naveen but they really need the experience of the two original lead raiders who are yet to recover from injuries. Vinay and Selvamani K have provided good support to Naveen who didn't fire in the last match.
Defensively, the switch where Dharmaraj Cheralathan played in the left corner worked well for the Steelers as young Sunil excelled in the right corner but that has been the only positive so far. Vikas Kale and Parveen have struggled to find their feet in the cover positions while last season's star defender Kuldeep has spent a lot of time on the bench. Haryana need to regroup and deliver a rousing performance after their recent failures.
Tamil Thalaivas
Key Players: Rahul Chaudhari, Manjeet Chillar and Ajay Thakur
Tamil Thalaivas must consider themselves unlucky after losing their last two encounters by close margins due to errors from two of their key players- Manjeet Chillar and Rahul Chaudhari. Surprisingly this season, Ajay Thakur has not been able to contribute that has hurt the Thalaivas' campaign. Both Shabeer Bapu and V Ajith Kumar haven't been able to make a major impact.
In the defense however, Manjeet Chillar has led the side with unabashed aggression and all the defensive positions look very solid with minimum errors made. Ran Singh has been very good in the left corner while Mohit Chillar has done good despite looking edgy on a few occasions. Manjeet and young Ajeet have formed a menacing cover combination which has easily brought down some of the biggest raiders on the mat.
Predicted starting 7s
Haryana Steelers: Dharmaraj Cheralathan (C), Sunil, Vinay, Naveen, Selvamani K, Vikas Kale and Parveen.
Tamil Thalaivas: Ajay Thakur(C), Rahul Chaudhari, Shabeer Bappu, Ran Singh, Mohit Chhillar, Manjeet Chhillar and Ajeet.
Dream 11 Fantasy Tips
Fantasy Suggestion 1: Rahul Chaudhari, Naveen, Manjeet Chillar, Sunil, Ajeet, Selvamani K and Vikas Kale
Captain: Rahul Chaudhari Vice- Captain: Manjeet Chillar.
Fantasy Suggestion 2: Ajay Thakur, Naveen, Ran Singh, Ajeet, Vinay, Dharmaraj Cheralathan and Mohit Chillar
Captain: Naveen Vice- Captain: Ajay Thakur.