Journalism of Courage
The 2017 edition of Pro Kabaddi enters its business end as the six teams to have made it to the playoffs have been decided. The fifth edition started with four new teams and three of them have managed to progress into the next round. Gujarat Fortunegiants, placed in Group A, had a successful and most balanced season. Gujarat under Sukesh Hegde's leadership concluded their group stage with 15 wins, where five of the wins came during their home leg. Fortunegiants was the only side which didn't lose a single match at home. With youngsters Sachin Tawar and Rohit Gulia leading their attack, Iranian duo Fazel Atrachali and Abozar provided strength to their defence as the Fortunegiants came out as a most balanced side in the league.
Haryana Steelers, who are among the four new teams in this season, had a decent start before the Surender Nada-led side picked up pace and momentum. With 12 wins from 21 games, Steelers were the second team after Gujarat Fortunegiants to qualify for the knockout stage. Captain Surender Nada has been their star performer with 75 tackle points.
Puneri Paltan are the third team to qualify for the playoffs from Zone A. With three more games left, Pune have a chance to dethrone Gujarat Fotunegiants from Zone A ranking and finish the group stage as number 1 team. Deepak Hooda-led side has been a well-balanced and consistent team. With the likes of Rajesh Mondal, Sandeep Narwal and Deepak in top form, Pune can be considered as title contenders this season.
Bengal Warriors, who had finished last in the previous edition, have impressed everyone this season as they managed to turn their fortunes around and qualified as number 1 team from Zone B. With Maninder Singh doing wonders for them, Warriors managed to win 11 games, draw 5 and lost 5 in their quest to lift their maiden title.
Two times defending champions patna Pirates have a chance to defend their title and become first team to lift the title three times on the trot. Pardeep Narwal has led from the front, scoring 267 points from 21 games. Giving Pardeep support, raider Monu Goyat has scored 155 points. However, their defence has been a weak link as they have lacked consistency. The 20-year old Pardeep will play crucial role in the upcoming matches.
UP Yoddha are the sixth to qualify for the knockout stage. Despite losing to Bengaluru Bulls, Nitin Tomar-led side managed to make it into the playoffs. With 8 wins from 21 games, UP Yoddha are ranked third in Zone B. Both their lead raiders Nitin Tomar, Rishank Devadiga have had an inconsistent season. However, Rishank has managed to get some raid points in the later part of the league. He recently became the first player to score 28 points in a single match.
