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Defending champions Puneri Paltan will play their 20th match of Pro Kabaddi League 2024 against three-time winners Patna Pirates. Pune's Balewadi Sports Complex will play host to this game, starting at 9pm IST on December 16.
Puneri Paltan are in a do-or-die situation. The defending champions hold the eighth position in the Pro Kabaddi League 2024 points table, having earned 54 points from 19 matches. They have won eight matches, lost eight games and played three ties. In their last game, Pune destroyed the Bengaluru Bulls 56-18.
Meanwhile, Patna Pirates have surprised fans with their fantastic performances in Pro Kabaddi League 2024. Not many experts predicted Patna to qualify for the playoffs this season, but they are just two victories away from sealing a place in the next round.
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Ahead of the much-awaited clash between Puneri Paltan and Patna Pirates, here's a glance at three players Dream11 users can pick as captain or vice-captain of their respective fantasy teams.
#1 Gaurav Khatri, Puneri Paltan
After a lengthy lean patch in the middle phase of Pro Kabaddi League 2024, Puneri Paltan right corner defender Gaurav Khatri finally returned to form against the Bengaluru Bulls. Khatri scored six tackle points, which would have boosted his confidence enormously.
The Bulls had the most successful raider in PKL history, Pardeep Narwal, in their playing seven. Still, Khatri returned with a 100% tackle success rate. He was the best defender of the season for a long time. Even though he has dropped to the ninth spot now, Dream11 users should back Khatri, especially after his fantastic showing against the Bulls.
#2 Akash Shinde, Puneri Paltan
Another Puneri Paltan player whose confidence will be high after the match against Bengaluru Bulls is their skipper Akash Shinde. The Pune raider scored eight points, with seven of them being touch points. Most importantly, Akash did not get tackled even once in 11 raids.
A performance like that would have boosted Shinde's confidence. He will be keen to continue in the same vein when he takes the court against the Patna Pirates in Balewadi Sports Complex.
Also, Shinde did not play in the previous battle between Patna Pirates and Puneri Paltan in Pro Kabaddi League 2024. Hence, Patna's defense may not have a clear idea of how to stop him.
#3 Devank Dalal, Patna Pirates
Patna Pirates raider Devank Dalal has been outstanding in almost every game that he has played in Pro Kabaddi League 2024. He is the number one raider in the tournament right now, with 233 raid points from just 18 matches. The fact that no raider has scored even 220 raid points this season highlights how brilliant Devank has been.
In the last battle between Puneri Paltan and Patna Pirates, Patna's coach substituted Devank in the 30th minute after he managed only six points in 12 raids. The Patna Pirates raider will aim to better his performance when he plays against the defending champions tonight.
