Chennai, August 18: In-form Haryana Steelers will aim for their fourth successive win of the Pro Kabaddi League 2019 when they face rejuvenated Telugu Titans at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai on Sunday (August 18).
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After a rough start to respective campaigns, both teams have enjoyed a better run of results over their past four outings and will be aiming to continue their streak of positive performances.
Haryana Steelers have been the best teams in Pro Kabaddi over the past fortnight, and have registered three wins in a row that have helped them weave their way into the playoff spots.
The catalyst to their run has been star raider Vikash Kandola. Since his return, Haryana Steelers have picked up 15 points out of a possible 20 and the raider himself has been in terrific touch, averaging a Super 10 in his past four appearances.
The defence, too, has fared better over the past three matches, with skipper Dharmaraj Cheralathan and veterans Ravi Kumar and Vikas Kale finding some form. Right Corner Sunil, however, has been the pick of the defenders with 18 tackle points in five matches and will look to limit raider Suraj Desai's in their upcoming encounter.
सुनील 🆚 सिद्धार्थ = 🔥💥🎇
— Haryana Steelers (@HaryanaSteelers) August 18, 2019
With Sunil in great defensive form and Siddharth helping the Titans gain some momentum, the battle between them is sure to produce some fireworks! 👊#HYDvHAR #DhaakadBoys #ShaanSeSteelers #HaryanaSteelers pic.twitter.com/psKJwsKMfu
With the team in excellent form, the return of Prashanth Kumar Rai couldn't have come at a better time, as the veteran has the luxury to operate as the secondary raider behind Kandola till he finds his groove.
With everything falling in place at the right time, coach Rakesh Kumar and his Haryana Steelers team will fancy their chances against Telugu Titans on Sunday.
Telugu Titans, on the other hand, have had a better run of results over their past four matches after a poor home leg and are playing at a level much higher, closer to their potential then they previously displayed.
They have had two ties and a win in their past four matches and their only defeat came at the hands of reigning champions Bengaluru Bulls, who were inspired to a victory by Pawan Kumar Sehrawat and Mahender Singh.
A 🌪️ named Siddharth Baahubali Desai is on its way but the #DhaakadBoys are no pushovers!
— ProKabaddi (@ProKabaddi) August 18, 2019
Will @Telugu_Titans keep the unbeaten streak going? Find out LIVE with #HARvHYD, 7 PM onwards tonight, on Star Sports & Hotstar. #VIVOProKabaddi #IsseToughKuchNahi pic.twitter.com/9kFlqInedM
In that same fixture, 'Baahubali' Siddharth Desai scored his first Super 10 of the season and Left Corner Vishal Bhardwaj scored six tackle points at a strike rate of 100%. The pair have been the star performers for their team in offence and defence, respectively, and coach Gholamreza Mazandarani will be hoping for another big performance from his two superstars on Sunday.
Skipper Abozar Mohajermighani hasn't had the campaign he would've hoped for, but the Iranian is still among the best Right Corner defenders in VIVO Pro Kabaddi and one good outing could be all that it takes for him to find his form again.
However, if Telugu Titans are to beat Haryana Steelers, the captain as well as the rest of Telugu Titans' roster will have to up their game and play at that high level that they have showcased in the past.
Game starts at 7.30 PM IST on Sunday (August 18)
Live Channel: Star Sports 2 and Star Sports 2HD
Live Stream: HotStar
Source: Pro Kabaddi