We have a cracker of a contest on the cards on Wednesday, as Gujarat Fortune Giants will lock horns with an in-form Haryana Steelers side at the Thyagaraj Sports Complex in Delhi. After losing six matches on the trot, the Giants bounced back brilliantly with an impressive come-from-behind victory against Patna Pirates in Chennai.
Having struggled against the Pirates in the early stages of the match, we found our groove and put on a stellar performance in the second half to down Pardeep Narwal & co. The win definitely lifted the mood in our dressing room, however, the task doesn’t get any easier as a match against Haryana Steelers represents an even bigger challenge.
Despite results not going in our favour, we had seen many individual moments of brilliance from our Giants in Season 7. Sunil Kumar in particular has undoubtedly been our most reliable performer in recent matches. Even after a poor start against the Pirates, Sunil kept his cool and marshalled his troops brilliantly to bring about our comeback.
There is no doubt that we need Sunil and Parvesh to fire on all cylinders to stop Vikas Kandola, Haryana’s leading raider in Season 7.
Manpreet’s strategy to go with Pankaj and Ruturaj in the corners worked against the Pirates, so the duo should keep their place in the starting seven against Haryana Steelers.
Despite not being at his very best in the home leg, Rohit Gulia produced an astonishing performance against the Pirates and clinched his second Super 10 of Season 7. We will need him to come good once again the Haryana defence with his well-crafted raids.
With Sachin Tanwar’s fitness in doubt, More GB could end up keeping his place post his all-round performance against the Pirates. Since showcasing his brilliance against Bengal Warriors, Sonu Jaglan has had two forgettable performances. He will hope to break this rut and wreak havoc on the Haryana defence with his swift kicks and canny toe touches.
Key Giant
Parvesh Bhainswal
Being one of the pillars of Gujarat’s success in the last two seasons, Parvesh Bhainswal’s performances have been both hot and cold. He has taken 25 tackle points in 10 matches with two High Five’s to his name.
As we approach the half-way stage of Season 7, Parvesh must hit peak form against Haryana Steelers. Moreover, Parvesh’s contribution in both our wins against Haryana in the past have been immaculate, as he notched up 10 tackle points in those victories.
Head-To-Head
If roll back the tapes and look at our results against Haryana Steelers in VIVO PKL, they are the only team who have a better head-to-head record against us. In six matches we have played against them, we have emerged victorious twice and lost thrice.
Our Giants will look to build up on their winning momentum, while Haryana Steelers come into this fixture on the back of some good wins, it’s going to be an even tussle and only a few points could determine the winner.
Line-up
Sachin Tanwar, Parvesh Bhainswal, Pankaj, Rohit Gulia, Sunil Kumar (C), Ruturaj Koravi, Sonu Jaglan
