It is amazing the kind of impact one man can have on a team. Nitin Tomar was the star raider of Puneri Paltan but his side has been a completely shattered unit ever since he was ruled out of the PKL.
Puneri Paltan has won just two out of its last 13 matches. Considering the fact that they won 5 out of their first 8 matches, that is a hard fall in fortunes. What can they do differently in this last game of the PKL?
The raiding unit has been short of ideas and of quality. More GB was supposed to take up the mantle after Nitin Tomar but he has not been able to live up those expectations. More GB is a good back up raider but this season has shown his limitations.
Even the other raiders tried by Puneri Paltan have been found wanting. Sandeep Narwal also tried to play in the raiding role but that was a disaster too. Scoring raid points has been very tough for Puneri Paltan so far and we don’t think that is going to change.
The Telugu Titans hit a nice patch of form in their home leg and brought themselves into contention for a spot in the Super Playoffs once again. Unfortunately for the Titans, it appears as if the charge has come a bit too late because their chances of making it are very slim.
All the Telugu Titans can do is to play with freedom and try to get two victories under their belt. After that, whatever happens, is not in their control.
Rahul Chaudhari is going to be the man in the spotlight in this game once again. Every time the Telugu Titans need a win they turn to their star raider. Rahul Chaudhari is another raider that seems to have been left behind as the PKL evolves to a harder, faster, and more physical sport.
He has put in a few good performances but there have been plenty of occasions where he has been left wanting. The Telugu Titans cannot afford another weak performance from him. He must be given the freedom to play aggressively and get his side the win because that is when he at his best.
The defense of the Telugu Titans is its biggest strength and we really fancy them against the weakest raiding unit in the Pro Kabaddi League right now. Abozar Mohajermighani and Vishal Bhardwaj will lead the defense from the front and we would not rule out a High-5 for both of them in this match.
Two wins from its last 13 matches and four losses on the trot illustrate the kind of poor form Puneri Paltan has been in. The Telugu Titans have also lost three out of their last four matches to be in poor form.
The Telugu Titans have one of the best defenses in the PKL and that should help it get past the Puneri Paltan with ease.
Back the Telugu Titans to win.