Race for top 6 intensifies for Tamil Thalaivas, U.P. Yoddhas, and Gujarat Giants

With the league stage of the campaign swiftly approaching its conclusion, every game is key in the race for a spot in the Vivo Pro Kabaddi playoffs. 

Three playoff hopefuls will take to the mat on Wednesday. In the first game, Tamil Thalaivas will take on U.P. Yoddha, and in the second, Telugu Titans will battle Gujarat Giants.

Here is the preview for both the intense games:

Match 104: Tamil Thalaivas vs U.P. Yoddha

The Tamil Thalaivas slipped to a second straight defeat last night, succumbing to a 32-29 loss against the Haryana Steelers. The Thalaivas’ excellent defense had an uncharacteristically quiet outing, as they finished the game with only eight tackle points. The Thalaivas are still in a good position to qualify for the playoffs, but they need to suspend their slump with a win on Wednesday.

U.P. Yoddha ended their four-game losing streak with a 39-35 victory over the Telugu Titans in their previous outing. Surender Gill and Shrikant Jadhav combined for 20 raid points to guide their side to a much-needed win. U.P.’s defense managed only nine tackle points and conceded 23 raid points, which would be a cause for concern for coach Jasveer Singh. If U.P.’s defense can find form in the final stretch of the league stage, they will find themselves in the playoffs.

Tamil Thalaivas vs U.P. Yoddha head-to-head

The Tamil Thalaivas and Telugu Titans’ head-to-head series is tied at 3-3. The two teams have also shared the spoils thrice. In their first meeting this season, the Thalaivas beat U.P. 39-33.

Match 105: Telugu Titans vs Gujarat Giants

The Telugu Titans’ late surge saw them secure a 32-32 tie against the Bengal Warriors in their previous outing. Ankit Beniwal and Rajnish led the Titans’ charge with a combined 15 raid points, while the defensive unit also played a decent helping hand with 10 tackle points. The Titans have five games left this season and would want to finish the season strong and give their fans something to cheer about. 

The Giants’ playoff hopes suffered a blow in their previous outing, as they succumbed to a 36-31 defeat to the Jaipur Pink Panthers. Gujarat’s raiding unit scored 20 of the team’s 36 points but also gave up 15 tackle points to Jaipur’s defense. The Giants’ defense picked up only three tackle points in the first half, which put pressure on the raiding unit to do the bulk of the scoring. Coach Manpreet Singh needs his offence and defense to work in synergy to beat the Titans on Wednesday. 

Telugu Titans vs Gujarat Giants head-to-head

The Gujarat Giants have won four and lost only one of their five matches against the Telugu Titans. The Giants registered a comfortable 40-22 win over the Titans in their first meeting this season.

PKL Schedule for Wednesday, February 9

Match 104: Tamil Thalaivas vs U.P. Yoddha, 7:30 PM IST

Match 105: Telugu Titans vs Gujarat Giants, 8:30 PM IST

Where to watch vivo Pro Kabaddi live?

Catch all the LIVE action from Vivo Pro Kabaddi Season 8 on the Star Sports Network and LIVE streaming on Disney+Hotstar.