The tussle for the last spot in zone B makes the upcoming matches worth a watch
Pro Kabaddi League is the second most watched league in India after Indian Premier League (IPL). The league is so popular in the country. It has ongoing its season 6 in Kolkata. The sixth campaign of Pro Kabaddi League is in its last quarter. Playoffs are near to be held.
For the playoffs, U Mumba, Gujarat Fortunegiants and Dabang Delhi K.C. have booked their spot from Zone A. All these teams were given consistent performances in their Zone A. From Zone B Bengaluru Bulls and Bengal Warriors hava made it to the playoffs. Bengaluru Bulls are the Zone B table toppers so they grab the playoff spot easily. Though Bengal Warriors played less matches they got qualified due to their performance at home leg.
Still the third and last spot is empty for which three teams i.e. Patna Pirates, UP Yoddha and Telugu Titans are fighting. There is a lot of inter dependency between these teams to make it to the playoffs. Let’s do an analysis of how these three teams can be there in the playoffs.
1) Patna Pirates
Pardeep Narwal led Patna Pirates are at third position in Zone B table standings. The team started their campaingn slowly. Then capitalize on their home leg. 3 times title holders and defending champions Patna Pirates have won 9, lost 10 and tied 2 matches in PKL 6. The team is over dependent on their skipper Pardeep Narwal. Whenever he looks out of form the team has lost their momentum and matches too. Now they have one match left against Gujarat Fortunegiants tomorrow. Win or even a tie with Gujarat Fortunegiants can make them qualify for the playoffs.
2) UP Yoddha
UP Yoddha was conuted out of the playoffs contentions practically in past 2-3 leg. But they had their playoffs hopes mathematically. Now this team is performing so well that they are one step away to enter into the playoffs. UP Yoddha has given a mixed performance in PKL 6 with 7 wins, 10 losses and 4 ties. Their raiding trio of skipper Rishank Devadiga, Prashanth Kumar Rai and Shrikant Jadhav is been splendid. Nitesh Kumar is outstanding in defence and has major contribution in UP’s unbeaten streak in past 5 matches. If they want to make it to the playoffs they will have to win their last league match against Bengal Warriors. As well as they will have to ensure that Patna Pirates loose their match.
3) Telugu Titans
Telugu Titans are at the fifth position in Zone B table standings. They have won 8 matches, lost 12 matches and tied one match. Their defence consist of skipper Vishal Bhardwaj, Abozar Mohajermighani and Farhad Rahimi Milaghardan has been phenomenal. But failures of raiding department with the likes of Rahul Chaudhari and Nilesh Salunke has taken the team to this situation where they have to be dependent on other team’s results to go into the playoffs. Telugu Titans have one match in their hands. Tonight they will have to won this match against Bengal Warriors. As well as they wanted Patna and UP Yoddha to loose their matches with the points margin more than 7.
Conditions under these teams can qualify for the playoffs of PKL 6 :
Patna Pirates can qualify If –
- Patna wins or ends their match with a tie tomorrow against Gujarat Fortunegiants
- If Patna Pirates loose against Fortunegiants they will have to keep their hopes on UP Yoddha lost their match against Bengal Warriors.
UP Yoddha can qualify If –
- UP wins their match against Bengal Warriors and Patna Pirates loose the match against Gujarat Fortunegiants.
- If Patna and UP both ties their matches then the team with good score difference will qualify.
Telugu Titans can qualify If –
- Telugu Titans win tonight’s match with a huge margin of more than 25 points.
- As well as Telugu will have to ensure that Patna Pirates and UP Yoddha to loose their matches.