Pro Kabaddi 2024, Tamil Thalaivas vs Haryana Steelers: 3 player battles to watch out for

Match No. 83 of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 11 will see the Tamil Thalaivas lock horns with the Haryana Steelers tonight (Friday, November 29). The encounter is scheduled for 8 pm at the Noida Indoor Stadium.

The Thaialvas have run hot and cold this season, but have consistently shown promise. Their most recent outing on the mat saw them dominate the UP Yoddhas, an opponent they'd lost to less than a week earlier. Currently, the team stands ninth in the standings with five wins and seven losses in 13 matches.

On the other hand, after their runner-up finish in Season 11, the Haryana Steelers seem keen to make it all the way this time. The team opened their campaign with a loss to the Puneri Paltan but have since made amends, as they outperformed the defending champions in their most recent match. At the moment, the Steelers are at the top of the points table, having won 11 of their 14 matches.

As the Tamil Thalaivas and Haryana Steelers prepare to fight tonight, here are three player battles that promise to impress.

Pro Kabaddi 2024, Tamil Thalaivas vs Haryana Steelers: 3 Player battles to watch out for

3. Shivam Patare vs Aashish Umed

Shivam Patare has been a crucial weapon for the Haryana Steelers and he has been incredible this season. The raider scored back-to-back Super 10s recently and has picked up 84 points in 14 matches. Patare was particularly impressive in the Steelers' most recent encounter, where he led the team to victory over defending champions Pune, scoring 13 points.

Trying to keep the raider in check tonight will be Aashish Umed. The left-cover is currently playing his fourth season for the Tamil Thalaivas. He has played five matches this year, scoring six points.

2. Moein Shafaghi vs Jaideep Dahiya

Moein Shafaghi is making his PKL debut this season, and he's been pretty impressive so far. He's played seven matches for the Tamil Thalaivas and already picked up 38 points, with a raid strike rate of 51%. Iran's Shafaghi has scored two Super Raids and is averaging 4.5 raid points per match.

Making Shafaghi prove his mettle tonight will be Haryana Steelers' Jaideep Dahiya. The left-cover has been a consistent performer for the team and has steered them well as the captain. Dahiya has been on the mat 11 times this season, picking up 21 points with a strike rate of 42%.

1. Narender Kandola vs Rahul

Seasoned raider Narender Kandola has been another crucial element for the Tamil Thalaivas. He made his PKL debut with the team in Season 9 and has quickly established himself as a dominant force. This year, Kandola has played 13 matches, scoring 88 points, including one Super Raid and three Super 10s.

Keeping Kandola on his toes tonight will be Haryana Steelers’ Rahul. The right-corner played his first season for the team last year and seems keen to outdo himself this time. Rahul has played 14 matches in Season 11, picking up 44 points, scoring five Super Tackles and one High 5, alongside a tackle strike rate of 59%.