Pro Kabaddi 2024, Puneri Paltan vs UP Yoddhas: 3 Player battles to watch out for

The Puneri Paltan and the UP Yoddhas will engage in a high-octane clash tonight (Tuesday, November 19) in Match No. 63 of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) 2024. The teams are scheduled to be on the mat at 8 pm at the Noida Indoor Stadium, and fans can expect an exciting display.

As of now, the Paltan are third on the points table with five wins, three losses, and two ties. Meanwhile, the UP Yoddhas are ninth in the standings with four victories and five losses. While Pune have seemingly maintained much of the rhythm that led them to the trophy last season, the Yoddhas have run hot and cold.

However, the Paltan haven't claimed a single win in their last three matches, while the Yoddhas come into the match fresh off a victory over the Telugu Titans. As the former look to get back to their winning ways and the latter try to maintain their form, here are three player battles to keep an eye on tonight.

Pro Kabaddi 2024, Puneri Paltan vs UP Yoddhas: 3 Player battles to watch out for

Mohit Goyat vs Sumit Sangwan

Leading the charge for the Puneri Paltan’s attack will be Mohit Goyat. The right-raider has had an incredible season so far, picking up 60 points over the course of three games. This marks Goyat’s fourth year with the team and he currently boasts a raid strike rate of 43%, making him one to watch out for tonight.

Giving the raider a tough time on the mat will be UP Yoddhas’ Sumit Sangwan. The left-corner is playing his fifth season for the Yoddhas and has racked up a handful of impressive performances this year. He currently has 33 points to his name, with a tackle strike rate of 33%.

Akash Shinde vs Hitesh

Akash Shinde has been yet another strong raider for the Puneri Paltan. The youngster has been on the mat eight times so far and has accumulated 41 points with his attacking prowess. Shinde has a raid strike rate of 44% and was particularly impressive in the outings against the Bengal Warriorz and the Gujarat Giants, where he scored eight and 11 points, respectively.

Making Shinde work tonight will be the UP Yoddhas’ Hitesh. After a commendable debut with the team last season where he scored 31 points, the defender has continued to build on that momentum this year. He has already picked up 22 points from nine matches and has a tackle strike rate of 67%.

Abinesh Nadarajan vs Bhavani Rajput

While the likes of Mohit Goyat and Akash Shinde handle the Puneri Paltan’s attack, Abinesh Nadarajan has proven to be a force on the defense. Playing his fourth season for the team, Nadarajan has made himself a crucial piece of the puzzle for Pune, picking up 24 points in 10 matches.

Meanwhile, Bhavani Rajput will be the one keeping Nadarajan on edge tonight. The UP Yoddhas raider is making his debut for the team this season and has already proven his worth. In his eight matches so far, he has earned 39 points, with a radi strike of 46%. Rajput was clinical in the Yoddhas' most recent outing, scoring his first Super 10 of the year.