The Pro Kabaddi Season 9 is heading towards its business end, with nine teams battling it out for the Eliminator positions, one of them being the Haryana Steelers.
The franchise formed in 2017 reached playoffs twice in the previous four editions and are looking to make it to the top six for the third time. With three successive wins against fellow top six contenders Bengal Warriors, U Mumba and Patna Pirates, the Steelers are within touching distance of an Eliminator position.
The Jaipur Pink Panthers and Puneri Paltan are occupying the top two positions in the PKL Season 9 points table, and are favourites to clinch a direct spot in the semi-finals. With both these sides accumulating 69 points each, it seems unlikely that they will lose out on a top six spot as it stands.
UP Yodhas (65 points) and Bengaluru Bills (63 points) are close on the above two’s heels and look like safe bets for the top six, barring some major upsets. Both teams can also launch a late charge for the top two.
Tamil Thalaivas (56 points) and Dabang Delhi (54 points) are currently occupying the fifth and sixth spots.
How can Haryana Steelers qualify for playoffs in Pro Kabaddi League Season 9?
Haryana Steelers currently have 51 points after 19 matches, just three shy of a top six spot, and are seventh on the PKL Season 9 standings. At this point, their fate is in their hands as by winning all three of their remaining matches, they will confirm a place in the playoffs.
They have one tricky fixture against Jaipur Pink Panthers followed by a clash against Telugu Titans, who won just two matches this season. Their playoff spot, however, could hang on the final league stage fixture against Tamil Thalaivas on December 10.
Since the Thalaivas are occupying one of the top six spots, just above the Steelers, five points or more in this fixture would automatically put them in the Eliminators.
If the Steelers drop points in any of their three matches, they will have to hope that Thalaivas or Dabang Delhi also drop points.
However, the scenario that head coach Manpreet Singh would be hoping for is that they win all three matches and do not depend on any other results.
