Haryana Steelers starting 7 to beat mighty UP Yoddhas

The Haryana Steelers, who are yet to win a PKL trophy and finished seventh in the points table last year, missing out on a playoff spot by just two points, are in a completely different look this time around. The management spent a whopping sum of INR 4.766 crore in the auction to gather around a strong, competitive side.

The Haryana Steelers spent heavily on two raiders, whereas they acquired most of their other players at the base price. They will be playing their first match of the season against the UP Yoddhas on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, at 9:00 p.m. IST. A predicted starting seven for their first game of the season is discussed below:

1. Center: Siddharth Desai

The Bahubali of the Kabaddi mat, Siddharth Desai, has once again found a new franchise for him in the league. He was bought by the Haryana Steelers for INR 1 crore and will be expected to lead the raiding department of the team.

2. Left Cover: Jaideep Dahiya

Jaideep is a Category A defender who was retained by the franchise after he had a tremendous season 9 of the PKL. He scored 54 tackle points in the previous season and will once again don the Steelers’ jersey.

3. Right Cover: Mohit Nandal

Mohit Nandal is another defender who was retained by the Haryana Steelers management. He scored 44 tackle points in the last season in the right cover position and had a phenomenal and deadly duo with Jaideep.

4. Left Corner: Mohit

Another defender named Mohit is likely to step on the Kabaddi mat when the Haryana Steelers play their first match of the season against the U.P. Yoddhas. Mohit, who will play in the left corner position, was bought for a price of INR 20 lakh.

5. Right Corner: Rahul Sethpal

The right corner position will be taken care of by Rahul Sethpal, who is a new addition to the Haryana Steelers franchise. He was among the players who had a huge payday at the auction, as he was bought at a price of INR 40.70 lakh.

6. Left In: Chandran Ranjit

Chandran Ranjit is a veteran in the PKL and has a lot of experience in the raiding department. He will be playing as a second raider this season, as his services have been acquired for a whopping sum of INR 62 lakh.

7. Right In: K. Prapanjan

Prapanjan was one of the very few raiders retained by the Haryana Steelers. He is a young prospect who has incredible talent and will be groomed under the leadership of Chandran Ranjit and Siddharth Desai.

Predicted Starting 7 of the Haryana Steelers against the U.P. Yoddhas: Siddharth Desai (c), Jaideep Dahiya, Mohit Nandal, Mohit, Rahul Sethpal, Chandran Ranjit, and K. Prapanjan.

The Haryana Steelers have invested heavily in their Raiders this season and would expect them to come out on top for the franchise. The defense is also looking solid, with a mix of experience, aggression, and enthusiasm.