Haryana Steelers produced one of the biggest upsets in Pro Kabaddi League [PKL 10] history as they stunned defending champions Jaipur Pink Panthers to reach their first-ever final. Haryana Steelers, who joined the PKL fold in season 5, will take on two-time finalists Puneri Paltan for the ultimate prize.
Haryana Steelers made their intentions clear from the get-go as their defence was in fine shape. Their back-line amassed 11 tackle points, which was five more than Jaipur Pink Panthers' famed defence. Arjun Deshwal was the defending champions' trump card and he lived up to the expectations by clinching 14 raid points, but he was let down by a weak defence.
Arjun had no support from his secondary raiders, while Vinay [11 raid points] and Shivam Patare [7 raid points] were in sublime form for Haryana Steelers. The one gamechanger was Ashish, who is typically a raider but in a solid shift as a defender. he picked up four tackle points, which included a tackle on Arjun in the final minute of the game. That tackle sealed the win for Haryana Steelers.
They will be up against a resolute Puneri Paltan side, who decimated three-time champions Patna Pirates in the first semifinal. Each member of Puneri Paltan's starting seven got on the scoresheet as the side put up a stunning all-round display. Mohammadreza Shadloui was the pick of the players as he finished with a superb High 5, while captain Aslam Inamdar and Pankaj Mohite bagged seven points each to lead Puneri Paltan to a stunning 16-point win.
The fact that Haryana Steelers and Puneri Paltan will face-off in the final means we will have a new PKL champion this time around. This is also the first time since season six that a team outside of the top-2 [at the end of the league stage] will play in the final.
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Puneri Paltan vs Patna Pirates
Puneri Paltan have enjoyed their best PKL season ever and finished the league-stage on top of the points table. Every aspect of their game has clicked for them, whether it be raiding or defending, and they've built a formidable unit this time around. Aslam Inamdar has marshalled this young side remarkably well, Mohit Goyat has evolved into a fantastic all-rounder and Mohammadreza Shadloui continues to remain a terror for opposition raiders.
In fact, Shadloui will be up against his former side as Patna Pirates are gunning for a record fourth title. Led by Sachin Tanwar, Patna Pirates earned a thrilling win over Dabang Delhi in the semifinal and will hope to get past Puneri Paltan today. They will bank on the services of their raiding genius Sachin, who has 166 raid points in 21 matches, including 37 do-or-die raid points. Krishan Dhull is the side's top defender with 76 tackle points, while Ankit is also a handy all-rounder. Also watch out for Sandeep, he played an instrumental role in the final 10 minutes of the playoff win over Dabang Delhi.
PKL 10 midseason grades: Puneri Paltan get A+, F for Telugu Titans
Jaipur Pink Panthers vs Haryana Steelers
Jaipur Pink Panthers can pretty much do it all. Having retained their core ahead of the season, they are one of the most balanced units this season and that explains their 13-match unbeaten run this season. Arjun Deshwal will all but climb back to the top of the standings for most raid points, while their defence is led by last season's best defender Ankush Rathee, who already has 69 tackle points to his name. The side is captained by Sunil Kumar, one of the smartest captains in the world of kabaddi and it will be a fine contest to see how he plots a win over Manpreet Singh's Haryana Steelers.
Arjun Deshwal - Jaipur Pink Panthers' raider for all seasons
Haryana Steelers, making their debut at the semifinals, have had a strong season. They outclassed Gujarat Giants in the playoffs and showed just what they were capable of: playing to their defensive might while their raiders added to the tally. Their three-man defensive unit of Jaideep Dahiya, Mohit Nandal and Rahul Sethapal has over 200 tackle points, so watch out for that. They don't have a star raider as such, but Vinay has been their go-to man. Shivam Patare and Vishal Tate are also good raiding options, while Siddharth Desai always remains an asset [provided he is fit].