Haryana Steelers aim to convert their PKL 10 finalist run into a title in PKL 11, led by a bolstered defense and star players like Shadloui. Full schedule and analysis!
Having finished as runners up last season, Haryana Steelers are roaring to go in Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) season 11. The defensive line has only got stronger for the Steelers and they are desperate to convert this runner up finish into a title win this time around. Haryana Steelers begin their campaign with a high-octane clash against Puneri Paltan-the repeat of last season's PKL final-on October 19th.
Strong Defence and Impact of Shadloui
Gaining one of the biggest changes for Steelers comes in the form of Iranian star defender Mohammadreza Shadloui, who has crossed over from Puneri Paltan. He will enhance an already potent defense, thus making Steelers a formidable team to have at playtime at wrestling. Shadloui is one of the most dangerous raiders within the pack. His ability to read raiders enables him to perform sharp tackles. This team's defense turns out to be the potent weapon in their experience core while they strive for glory combined with the Steelers.
The first test that Haryana is going to face will come in the Hyderabad leg with established teams like Jaipur Pink Panthers, Dabang Delhi KC, and Gujarat Giants. Winning a few games against the recently crowned champions will be only a booster of the confidence but it will confirm their intent for the season.
Also Read - Bengaluru Bulls Gear Up for a Blockbuster PKL Season 11! Full Schedule
Noida leg: The True Test
The Steelers will have to play nine matches of this leg in Noida, with an equal number of tough encounters against teams carrying big names like Pawan Sehrawat, Sachin Tanwar, Pardeep Narwal, and Arjun Deshwal. This will be the test for Steelers' defense.
A wasted Haryana defensive unit, without Mohit Nandal, who got released due to doping allegations, will have to fight again to keep things intact, with Mohammadreza Shadloui and Jaideep at the helm. Coach Manpreet Singh would need to find an adequate replacement for Nandal's position to ensure Steelers remain one of the top defensive teams in the league.
Read More - PKL 11: UP Yoddhas full schedule for Pro Kabaddi League season 11
Key Players to Watch
Mohammadreza Shadloui: He is the big Iranian stalwart who will command the heart of Haryana's defense. He has a great record with his high tackle success rate; he is a big boost to the team. He will be shutting down the star raiders, which will help Steelers become the first champions in PKL.
Jaideep: One of the definite starters of the Steelers' defensive unit, the match between Jaideep and Shadloui will hold the key in denying opposition raids. The tackling efficiency of the safety-liners of Jaideep along with strategic positioning will contribute significantly.
Manjeet and Meetu: From the attacking end, Haryana will rely more or less on Manjeet and Meetu to lead the charge of the raiding contingent. Their capability to score crucial points regularly will give all the required balance to the game for the team to match its performances on both ends of the court.
Challenges Ahead and Key Matchups
For Noida, Steelers will be competing with some of the most dangerous teams in the league. They will also compete against Tamil Thalaivas, Bengaluru Bulls, and Patna Pirates, who have top raiders in their teams. Noida will certainly test Haryana's defense.
Shadloui's return will make all the difference as they will face past champions Puneri Paltan and Jaipur Pink Panthers. It will probably indicate what position they will be entering with in the Pune leg. Particularly against Puneri Paltan, when they clash on November 27th, Haryana would look to prove their mettle.
Another match that will be of keen interest is against Bengal Warriorz on November 3rd where Shadloui will have the opposing raiding duo Maninder Singh and Nitin Tomar to deal with. In this one, it will be especially difficult for Haryana to withstand the league's best attack.
Pune Leg: Finishing Strong
The Steelers will conclude their PKL 11 season with six matches in Pune. They will begin with an eventful contest against Bengal Warriorz on December 4th. Other crucial games will include matches against Patna Pirates, Bengaluru Bulls, and Dabang Delhi KC—sides that can easily make the playoffs.
So, with the league stage of matches coming to an end, Haryana will now look to sustain this momentum and qualification for the playoffs. Their last game of the league stage will be on December 22 against U Mumba, which has so far been known to play fairly smart. They need to do their best to finish the season on a high and qualify for the Knockout phases.
Haryana Steelers Schedule for PKL 11:
Hyderabad Leg:
October 19 vs Puneri Paltans, 9:00 PM
October 24 vs Jaipur Pink Panthers, 9:00 PM
October 28 vs Dabang Delhi KC, 8:00 PM
October 30 vs UP Yoddhas, 9:00 PM
November 3 vs Bengal Warriorz, 9:00 PM
November 7 vs Gujarat Giants, 8:00 PM
Noida Leg:
November 10 vs Gujarat Giants, 9:00 PM
November 11 vs U Mumba, 9:00 PM
November 13 vs Patna Pirates, 9:00 PM
November 17 vs Tamil Thalaivas, 8:00 PM
November 18 vs Telugu Titans, 9:00 PM
November 21 vs Bengaluru Bulls, 8:00 PM
November 23 vs Jaipur Pink Panthers, 9:00 PM
November 27 vsPuneri Pantans, 8:00 PM
November 29 vs Tamil Thalaivas, 8:00 PM
Pune Leg:
December 4 vs Bengal Warriorz, 9:00 PM
December 6 vs Patna Pirates, 8:00 PM
December 9 vs Telugu Titans, 8:00 PM
December 11 vs Bengaluru Bulls, 8:00 PM
December 14 vs Dabang Delhi KC, 9:00 PM
December 17 vs UP Yoddhas, 8:00 PM
December 22 vs U Mumba, 9:00 PM
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