Pro Kabaddi 2019, Playoffs: One player who can win the title for each side

Shrikant Jadhav - U.P. Yoddha

Shrikant Jadhav

Post the culmination of a successful home leg for the U.P. Yoddha which saw the home side win three out of four matches, the Nitesh Kumar-led side will square off against the defending champions Bengaluru Bulls in the first eliminator of the season.

With the likes of Monu Goyat and Rishank Devadiga returning from injury but unable to make too much of an impact, the onus has been on Shrikant Jadhav to lead the raiding unit, and he has not disappointed.

With 143 points from 21 matches, Shrikant has stuck to the basics and has used his pace on the mat to telling effect, a feature of his raiding that will undoubtedly have a major say on the Yoddha's journey in the playoffs.

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Maninder Singh - Bengal Warriors

Maninder Singh

While Maninder Singh is still recovering from a shoulder injury he picked up in the latter stages of the league games, he should be in line for a return during the Bengal Warriors' semifinal clash on 16th October, and his inclusion into the starting seven will undoubtedly prove to be a shot in the arm for the side as they chase an elusive title.

Although the likes of Sukesh Hegde and K Prapanjan have made useful contributions in Maninder's absence, the lead raider for the Warriors has looked in fine form all through this season and should be expected to pick up yet another Super 10 that could take his side into the season finale.

Given that Maninder already has 205 points from 20 matches, if he does fire on all cylinders, he could potentially single-handedly take his team closer to their first-ever PKL title.

And, if he does indeed miss out from action due to an injury, the onus will be on K Prapanjan to lead the side in his absence, with the lanky raider bringing in a whole lot of experience into the side.