Bengal Warriors
The rise of Mohammad Nabibakhsh as a genuine all-rounder has allowed so much flexibility to the Bengal Warriors that they can choose to change the nature of their side depending on their opposition. Recently, Mohammad Nabibakhsh has been given a bigger role in the defense and that has freed up space for Sukesh Hegde in the starting seven.
With him in the lineup, the Bengal Warriors have four proper attacking options in their team. Maninder Singh, K Prapanjan, Sukesh Hegde, and Mohammad Nabibakhsh are all very capable raiders and also have a pretty varied style of playing.
The challenge for the captain is going to be recognizing which player is having a good game and giving him more time on that day.
The defense also has players like Baldev Singh, Rinku Narwal, and Jeeva Kumar to give the Bengal Warriors a very balanced side. The defense is going to be put under tremendous pressure by the Haryana Steelers defense and will need to be at its best in this match.
Haryana Steelers
Just one loss in their previous eleven games is something the Haryana Steelers can be proud of. They have continued their consistent rise after a poor start and the team is a definite contender for the title now.
Most of that success can be laid down at the feet of Vikash Kandola, the man who has made all the difference. With him on the mat, the Haryana Steelers have a completely different look about them. Kandola is quick on his feet and can target defenders in all positions.
Interestingly, it is not as if the Haryana Steelers are completely dependent on just Vikash Kandola. Naveen and Parshant Kumar Raid are also very good and have proven their worth in the last few weeks. These three will know that the Bengal Warriors defense is a bit under strength as the side focuses on offense and could be put under pressure.
The Haryana Steelers themselves will be relying on the experience of Dharmraj Cherlathan in the defense. He has been very good for them in PKL 2019 and will play a huge role in marshaling the troops in this match.
The Haryana Steelers have never lost to the Bengal Warriors in the history of the Pro Kabaddi league. They have a 3-0 head to head record against the Bengal Warriors and will be looking to improve that even further this time around.
We think that the Haryana Steelers have the upper hand in this match. Their team balance looks a bit better to us and although the Bengal Warriors are very strong as well, they are a bit more susceptible to errors on the mat.
Bet on the Haryana Steelers to win.