PKL 2019 : Top 3 players to look out from UP Yoddha

Uttar Pradesh has produced a lot of kabaddi stars for the nation, with the names of Rahul Chaudhari and Nitin Tomar topping the list. However, the state had to wait for four seasons to get its own Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) franchise. GMR Leagues Private Limited, the owners of the UP Yoddha, have done a commendable job by assembling a formidable team as well as a good coaching staff.

In both the seasons that they have played, UP Yoddha have qualified for the play-offs. They had scripted one of the most memorable comebacks in the sixth edition of the league when they almost reached the final despite languishing at the bottom of the points table for a long time.

UP Yoddha have recruited some big stars like Monu Goyat, Shrikant Jadhav and Mohsen Maghsoudlou, besides buying back Rishank Devadiga in the auction ahead of the seventh edition of PKL. Here are the top 3 UP Yoddha players to look out for -

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#3 Nitesh Kumar

Nitesh Kumar took 100 tackle points while playing in the right corner of U.P. Yoddha last year

Right corner defender, Nitesh Kumar , was picked up by the UP Yoddha from the pool of 'New Young Players' in season 5. Though the team management would have backed Kumar to perform well, never would they have ever expected him to hit century of tackle points in his second PKL season. Nitesh came into spotlight during the Future Kabaddi Heroes programme, before the Lucknow-based franchise snapped him up.

The ankle hold specialist took 8 High 5s in the previous season. He had played an instrumental role in UP Yoddha's comeback, which is why he may be assigned the reins of the team's defense this year. The Yoddhas have an inexperienced defense this year, but one can back Nitesh Kumar to deliver the goods once again.

#2 Monu Goyat

Monu Goyat had won the Pro Kabaddi League with Patna Pirates

A former PKL champion in his own right, versatile raider Monu Goyat has joined the UP Yoddha franchise ahead of PKL 2019. The running hand touch specialist has never been retained by any franchise, but the fact that he holds the record of receiving the highest bid in PKL history showcases his talent. UP Yoddha will be Goyat's 4th PKL franchise.

He had a decent outing with the Bengal Warriors in his debut season. However, a switch to Patna Pirates in season 5 brought out a new side of Monu Goyat. Despite being the team's secondary raider, Monu occupied the 4th position in the leaderboard of raiders.

The raider struggled under the pressure of captaincy in season 5. Thus, the team management of UP Yoddha will hope that Goyat performs the same way that he did in season 4.

#1 Rishank Devadiga

Rishank Devadiga executing an ankle hold

Rishank Devadiga has been the face of UP Yoddha ever since the franchise joined the league. His eternal presence has helped the team do wonders in the league. However, the raider would look to improve his fitness levels this year. He missed a few games for UP Yoddha because of injuries which weakened the team's raiding attack.

With 594 points in 103 matches, Devadiga has an immense experience of playing in the PKL. No kabaddi fan can forget his 28-point performance for UP Yoddha in the match against Jaipur Pink Panthers. He also has good leadership skills hence, Rishank may lead UP Yoddha in season 7.

The running hand touch specialist will have to play consistently to ensure that his team reaches the playoffs for the third consecutive time.

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How far do you think will UP Yoddha reach in PKL 2019? Share your views in the comments box below.