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The Tamil Thalaivas (TAM) and the UP Yoddhas (UP) square off in the 69th match of PKL 2024 on Friday, November 22, at the Noida Indoor Stadium.
The Thalaivas suffered a 29-36 defeat in their last match against the Haryana Steelers, making it six defeats in 11 games for them, and their fourth in the last five outings. They need to buck up and start a winning run immediately if they want to remain in contention for the playoffs.
The hosts UP Yoddhas are in a slightly better position, with one game in hand over the Thalaivas and come into this match on the back of a tie with the Puneri Paltan and a four-day break. Expect them to give it their all in front of their home support.
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Let's now look at the top three Dream11 surprise picks in this match.
#3 Keshav Kumar (RAI) (UP)
Quick-footed, agile, and electric across the mat, Keshav Kumar is a different profile of raider for the UP Yoddhas this season. In contrast to the towering physical presence that both Bharat and Bhavani Rajput bring to the table, Keshav's diminutive stature presents opposition defenses with a different kind of threat to deal with, and that explains why the team has persisted with him despite lackluster returns.
While he has scored only 10 raid points in six matches, he's not far away from a Dream11 points haul or a Super 10, and against a tough Thalaivas defense who could lock up Bharat and Bhavani Rajput, Keshav could step up and deliver for both his team and his Dream11 backers.
#2 Anuj Gawade (RAI) (TAM)
Classified as a raider, Anuj Gawade has been operating as the left cover defender for the Tamil Thalaivas, scoring 12 tackle points in 10 matches, and while he could improve, those aren't particularly bad numbers either.
His role will be crucial to the Thalaivas in this match as they seek to stop the powerful Bharat Hooda, for whom Anuj will be the primary target with that running hand touch, running from left to right. While it does put him at risk, it also presents Anuj with an opportunity to score tackle points and consequently, Dream11 points.
While he's a risky option, Anuj Gawade could be a handy surprise pick.
#1 Ashu Singh (DEF) (UP)
The UP Yoddhas' right cover Ashu Singh will be in focus against the Tamil Thalaivas' raider, and while he hasn't had the best of seasons so far, he could haul big if he makes a good start to this match. Up against a Thalaivas' raiding unit that lacks confidence and also consists of mostly right raiders, Ashu could create an instant impact by initiating blocks and dashes, working well in tandem with the ever-reliable Sumit.
A player of Ashu Singh's experience can always be counted on as a Dream11 option, and while his numbers of 13 tackle points in 10 matches don't do his ability justice, they could well receive a huge boost after this fixture.
