The spectacle of Pro Kabaddi has entertained crowds all across the nation, with teams fighting for a win till the buzzer goes off. U Mumba had their fair share of hiccups along the way but managed to book a playoff spot in the seventh season with phenomenal raiding performances from Abhishek Singh. The defence has stepped up as well, led by the charismatic Iranian Fazel Atrachali, who currently lies in third position on the list of most tackle points for the season.
WATCH OUT FOR: Fazel Atrachali
He has gained a reputation as one of the most prolific defenders in the game with his sturdy performances and has played a pivotal role in keeping U Mumba’s defence intact. His consistency is what sets him apart from his counterparts. Although he has just picked up seven points from his last two outings, he remains a threat for his opponents as long he’s on the mat.
The 27-year-old has been facing a young crop of raiders such as Naveen Kumar and Pawan Sehrawat, whose speed may dampen the spirit of many in the game, but Fazel’s perseverance and ability to adapt has produced many favourable results in favour of U Mumba. He averages three tackles per match and given U Mumba’s last two encounters against Haryana and Delhi before the playoffs, the Iranian defender is tipped to showcase his iconic dash once again.
Haryana Steelers have gone about their job silently
Haryana Steelers’ road to the playoffs has been anything but smooth. The team has lost seven encounters till date but strong performances from raider Vikash Kandola kept them alive in tricky situations. Veteran defender Dharmaraj Cheralathan has moulded the team into a strong defensive unit with young players looking up to him in critical scenarios.
WATCH OUT FOR: Vikash Kandola
Vikash Kandola has been the saving grace for the Haryana Steelers throughout the season. He’s always eager to gain maximum points in his endeavours and has been consistently successful. Since Haryana have already qualified for the playoffs, Vikash might look to extend his point tally before heading to the playoffs. His 13-point performance in the previous match against Telugu Titans was vital in taking Haryana to a comprehensive victory. He has averaged almost 9.4 raid points in his past five encounters and with only a sole encounter against U Mumba on the cards, Vikash will aim to build upon his form.
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Featured image courtesy: Star Sports & Pro Kabaddi
