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The Patna Pirates have been nothing short of a revelation in Pro Kabaddi League 2024. Written off by experts and fans alike before the season began, they have shattered expectations under coach Narender Redhu's guidance.
After a shaky start, they found their groove, finishing fourth on the table with 13 wins in 22 matches. With every game, the team grew stronger, their self-belief mounting as they carved a path to the playoffs.
Now, the Pirates are one step away from history. Standing in their way are the Haryana Steelers, the team to beat this season. The final promises to be a battle of the underdogs versus the favorites, with Patna aiming for a record-extending fourth title at the Balewadi Stadium in Pune on December 29.
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Let’s break down three reasons why the Patna Pirates can lift the PKL 11 trophy.
#3 Confidence from win over Dabang Delhi KC in the semi-final
Momentum is everything in sports, and Patna Pirates have it in spades. After a clinical 31-23 win over U Mumba in Eliminator 2, the Pirates faced a monumental challenge in the semi-final against Dabang Delhi KC, a team riding high on a 15-game unbeaten streak.
With the clock ticking down and the game hanging in the balance, captain Ankit Jaglan executed a game-changing tackle on Naveen Kumar. That moment not only ended Delhi’s streak but also paved Patna’s way into the grand finale.
When a team wins in such high-pressure situations, it fuels belief. For the Pirates, this confidence will be their driving force as they prepare to face the league toppers in the final.
#2 Cry for Revenge
If there’s one thing that makes this final even more exciting, it’s the brewing rivalry between Patna Pirates and Haryana Steelers. The Pirates suffered defeats in both league-stage encounters, first a 37-32 loss, followed by a high-octane 42-36 clash filled with controversies and heated exchanges.
The second encounter, in particular, added fuel to the fire. Patna’s Devank Dalal didn’t mince words post-match, openly challenging Manpreet Singh and the Steelers to a rematch. Now, the Pirates have a chance to settle the score on the grandest stage of all.
#1 The lethal duo of Devank and Ayan
Patna’s journey to the final has been spearheaded by their sensational raiding duo of Devank Dalal and Ayan Lohchab. Young, fearless, and incredibly effective, these two have been the backbone of the Pirates’ offense.
Devank, with a staggering 296 raid points, leads the league’s scoring charts, while Ayan has chipped in with 181 raid points, placing him fifth overall. Together, they’ve formed the most potent raiding combination of the season.
Their battle against Haryana’s defensive stalwarts Mohammadreza Shadloui and Rahul Sethpal will be the focal point of this final. If Devank and Ayan can find their rhythm and exploit even the smallest gaps, Patna Pirates will have one hand on the trophy.
