As the Pro Kabaddi League Season 11 action heats up, Match 56 will see Jaipur Pink Panthers take on Gujarat Giants at the Noida Indoor Stadium on Friday, November 15, at 9pm IST. Both teams come into this clash on the back of respective wins and will be eager to keep the momentum going.
Currently, Jaipur Pink Panthers sit in seventh place on the PKL Season 11 points table with 25 points. They have secured four wins, suffered three losses, and a tie in their eight matches. Jaipur will aim to move up the standings with another victory and solidify their position for a playoff spot.
In contrast, Gujarat Giants are struggling in 12th place with 12 points, having managed only two wins and seven losses so far. A win in this match would be crucial for Gujarat as they look to revitalize their season and move up the rankings.
On that note, let's look at three player battles to look out for.
#1 Arjun Deshwal vs Sombir
Jaipur Pink Panthers’ star raider Arjun Deshwal has been in superb form this season, racking up 91 raid points in just eight matches. Known for his consistency, Arjun Deshwal has achieved 4 Super 10s this season and remains a reliable asset for Jaipur’s attack. His experience and tactical edge make him a tough challenge for any defense.
On the other hand, Gujarat Giants’ defender Sombir will be looking to thwart Deshwal’s raid attempts. Sombir has accumulated 17 tackle points in the season with an impressive 44% success rate, including two High 5s. As one of the league's consistent defenders, Sombir's agility and focus on the mat will be crucial.
#2 Guman Singh vs Surjeet Singh
Guman Singh, Gujarat Giants’ top raider, has made his presence felt with 63 raid points so far and two Super 10s, including an impressive 17 raid points in his last match. After a high-priced acquisition, Guman has been steadily finding his rhythm and is poised to make an impact. His explosive raiding style could challenge Jaipur’s defense.
Facing him will be Jaipur’s experienced defender Surjeet Singh, who has registered 18 tackle points in eight matches at a 45% success rate. Surjeet, known for his ability to read raiders and anticipate their moves, will need to bring his A-game to stop Guman’s resurgence. His wealth of experience in the league adds another layer of excitement to this matchup.
#3 Rakesh vs Ankush
On the Gujarat side, Rakesh has stepped up as a reliable raider with 25 raid points this season. He's one of the fastest on the mat. His ability to attack strategically and find weaknesses in the opposition's defense makes him an essential part of Gujarat’s raiding strategy.
Jaipur’s Ankush Rathee has been solid in defense, accumulating 22 tackle points across eight games. Known for his aggression and timing, Rathee’s presence in Jaipur’s defense has been pivotal in their wins.