Our first game of the VIVO ProKabaddi Season 6 against Dabang Delhi K.C. ended in a tie. What must have hurt the squad the most is the fact that we controlled almost three-quarters of the game and succumbed in the final minutes to allow Delhi back into the match. As a result, the table reads 3 points against Gujarat Fortune Giants instead of 5. But, the team has got to take this result in their stride and move on to the next challenge.

Hours after the game, Manpreet Singh sat his boys down and held a pow-wow. A few minutes of constructive criticism followed, and the squad was filled with more vigour to notch up their first win of the season in their next match at Sonepat, against the home team, Haryana Steelers.

Despite the result not going our way, there were a lot of positives for us to take from the match against Delhi. Our raiders looked in good touch. Sachin Tanwar top-scored for us with 7 points. Prapanjan too brought out his range, including a Dubki that will make every highlight reel from that match. Rohit Gulia held his own on both ends of the mat. The skipper, Sunil Kumar scored 4 tackle points in just 3 attempted tackles. Ruturaj Koravi matched his skipper’s effort of 4 tackle points. Perhaps, we just couldn’t make the most of crunch moments towards the end of the match.

Haryana Steelers are coming off a one-sided loss against Puneri Paltan. To make matters worse, ace defender Surender Nada suffered a horrendous injury. Monu Goyat, the most expensive player from the auction, has replaced him as captain and the Steelers will play against us in their first game under new leadership.

Battle Within the Battle – Monu Goyat vs Sunil Kumar

Make no mistake about this, these two incredibly gifted kabaddi players hold their teams together from the raiding and defensive perspectives respectively. One can’t help but think that whoever wins this battle within the battle will have done wonders to their team’s chances of winning this encounter.

Key Giants

Sachin Tanwar

Sachin only showed glimpses of what he is capable of against Delhi. He can do much more damage, and we’ve witnessed that in the previous season. If he gets into his groove, it will be very difficult for a depleted Haryana defense to stop him.

Ruturaj Koravi

Against Dabang Delhi K.C., the debutant Ruturaj Koravi showed that he was cut out for the big stage with some awe-inspiring tackles, including a crucial super tackle. The man has impeccable instincts and makes timely tackles. A breakthrough effort is on its way, and it might just come against the Haryana Steelers in their own backyard.

VIVO PKL 6, Match 11: Haryana Steelers vs Gujarat Fortune Giants, 8 PM IST

Venue: Motilal Nehru School of Sports, Rai, Sonepat

Broadcast: Star Sports Network