Tamil Thalaivas vs Puneri Paltan, Pro Kabaddi (PKL), Today Match Prediction

tamt vs punp Match Prediction & Analysis

Puneri Paltan made a daring heist on the Titans last week, Paltan won that match by just a point. But post that, both teams have taken the wrong highway in their journey of season 8. 

Thalaivas are yet to taste victory in this season and are placed 10th in the points table. Paltan are last in this list with just 5 points in 3 matches. They were beaten fair and square by the Patna Pirates. So we have an encounter between the backbenchers of the points table, what can be expected? A tough match. 

 Tamil Thalaivas have had a sinusoidal curve to their journey. They came close to beating the Titans and U Mumba but settled for a tie. They have a good team but haven’t resonated together. They have made come-backs due to their defence, veteran Surjeet, Sahil and Mohit. Their top raider Manjeet looks in good form, MS Athul has done well too.

 Pune have their own issues-Rahul Chaudhary is not firing as expected, Aslam Inamdar and Mohit Goyat look good while raiding. But their defence is not performing well, Vishal Bharadwaj in particular. They get drained out especially in the second half, conceding all outs and that has been their biggest issue. With both teams performing inconsistently, Titans may just win their first game of the season.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Tamil Thalaivas Preview

Tamil Thalaivas started off well when they earned a tie in their first match against the Titans. They showed the same grit against U Mumba, a match that they should have won.

Thalaivas are generally slow starters and this is evident from the points table as they are placed 10th with just 6 points. Their biggest asset is their defence which has earned them an average of 33 successful team tackles at an average of 11 per match. This is the highest for the season along with Patna Pirates. But they have also conceded 6 all outs till now and this takes the fizz out of their efforts.

They need to add some zing to their raiding efforts. In the absence of a big star, they need to combine forces and create raiding combinations. Raider Manjit is their best bet, he has earned 22 points in 3 matches. But others have not been able to compliment his efforts, Prapanjan and Bhavani Rajput have 20 points together from 3 matches. Hence raiding efforts need to improve. Though the Thalaivas have done well in DoD raids this season with 12 raid points.

They will need to be on top of their game if they would like to derail Naveen Express, they came close against U Mumba, this might be the opportunity to punch above the weight.

Biggest challenge:

• How to counter raiders Rahul Chaudhary, Aslam Inamdar?
• Only 100 raid points were scored in 3 matches.
• How to work as a unit against the top team of the season?

Puneri Paltan Preview

One of the finest team combinations on paper, Puneri Paltan failed to impress in their opening game. Nitin Tomar, Rahul Chaudhary and Pankaj Mohite should have earned more in their raiding. Their young raiders have impressed all, but they seem to be using the wrong medication than what the doctor has ordered.

Accuracy and tenacity was missing from Vishal Bharadwaj who scored 71 tackle points in season 5. He is known as one of the best corner defenders with his trade mark ankle hold and back hold being devastating. Though this is just the beginning of the season, Vishal will have to get in shape very quickly.

They have conceded the highest all outs this season, 7 to be precise. They have conceded 112 points in 3 matches, executed 4 Super tackles.

Young raiders Aslam Inamdar and Mohit Goyat have been impressive, but they haven’t been able to force a partnership with Rahul Chauhary. This is the reason why the Paltan is not able to bring tidal waves of successful raids.  Nitin Tomar is missing from the action, Vishal Bharadwaj needs to get back to good old habits, Sombir and Abhinesh will have to step up in defence.

The only way the Paltan can reboot is to reduce their errors.