Pro Kabaddi 2024, Patna Pirates vs Bengaluru Bulls: 3 Player battles to watch out for

The weekend’s first Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) match will witness the Patna Pirates take on the Bengaluru Bulls in what promises to be an interesting battle. The two teams are slated to take to the mat at 8 pm on Saturday night (November 30) at the Noida Indoor Stadium.

The Pirates and Bulls have already battled once this season, with the former emerging victorious in a dominant fashion. The two teams fought on November 19 in Match No. 64 of the PKL, with the Pirates winning the encounter 54-31.

Overall, Patna have had a strong season, winning seven out of their 14 matches. They are sixth in the standings with 42 points. On the other hand, the Bulls have struggled this year. After a terrible start, they are last on the points table, having lost 12 of the 14 matches.

As the teams prepare for their clash tonight, here are three player battles that will keep fans entertained.

Pro Kabaddi 2024, Patna Pirates vs Bengaluru Bulls: 3 Player battles to watch out for

Devank vs Arul Velusamy

Devank has been one of the best raiders of the PKL this year. Playing his debut season for the Patna Pirates, he currently has the most raid points, most overall points, and the most Super Raids. He's played 13 matches so far, picking up 164 points.

Trying to contain the damage Devank does tonight will be the Bengaluru Bulls’ Arul Velusamy. The left-corner has played nine matches this season, picking up 14 points at a tackle strike rate of 72%. Velusamy’s season has seen him score five Super Tackles, and the defender put up a particularly impressive performance in the Bulls’ most recent outing.

Pardeep Narwal vs Shubham Shinde

Back with the Bulls after nearly a decade, Pardeep Narwal is one of the team's strongest weapons on the offense. The veteran raider has been on the mat 11 times this season, racking up 54 points. Narwal boasts a raid strike rate of 48% and has scored two Super Raids and two Super 10s this year.

On the other end, Shubham Shinde has been a reliable defender for the Patna Pirates. The right-corner has played 12 matches so far this year, picking up 25 points at a tackle strike rate of 52%.

Sandeep Kumar vs Sunny Sherawat

Sandeep Kumar has been yet another consistent performer for the Patna Pirates. The right-raider has made 13 appearances on the mat, picking up 37 points. Kumar boasts a raid strike rate of 33% but is yet to score a Super Raid or a Super 10 this season.

Giving the Patna Pirates raider a tough time on the mat tonight will be the Bulls’ Sunny Sherawat. The right-cover is making his debut for the team and has played six matches this year, scoring 10 points.