BEN vs TEL Dream11 Prediction: 3 surprise picks for today's Pro Kabaddi 2024 match - November 21, 2024
The Bengal Warriorz (BEN) and the Telugu Titans (TEL) face off in the 67th match of PKL 11 on Thursday, November 21, at the Noida Indoor Stadium.
This is a must-win game for the Warriorz, who have only won three and tied two games in 10 this season. While they have come close to a win in many matches, they haven't quite been able to close it out and they'll hope their big-match players step up and deliver.
Meanwhile, the Titans have been going strong despite losing captain Pawan Sehrawat to an injury, winning two games on the trot since the incident, following up their heavy win over the Steelers with a close 31-29 triumph over U Mumba yesterday. They have plenty of wind behind their sails and will look to use that momentum to register their eighth win of the season.
This should be a sensational clash and on that note, let's look at the top three Dream11 surprise picks.
#3 Manjeet (RAI) (TEL)
Taking up the role of a supporting raider in the Telugu Titans' starting 7 since Pawan Sehrawat's injury, Manjeet could be an interesting Dream11 surprise pick. The former Dabang Delhi KC raider has managed to score only seven raid points in six appearances this season, but he could potentially scale greater heights in upcoming matches.
He was a valuable utility player for Dabang Delhi over the last three seasons, even lifting the title with them in PKL 8, scoring 125 raid points and 18 tackle points despite playing mostly as a substitute. He clearly appears to be a useful raider with an eye for a tackle, similar to how Vijay Malik started out.
While not an explosive option, he could be a handy Dream11 differential.
#2 Vaibhav Garje (DEF) (BEN)
One of the better defenders in the PKL last season, Bengal Warriorz's right cover Vaibhav Garje lost his place in the starting 7 to new signing Mayur Kadam, but he has been named in their lineup for this match after a dip in form for the former.
It's a surprise to see Vaibhav make only three appearances in PKL 11 after his brilliant PKL 10 season, where he ended up leading an inexperienced defensive unit. Despite being a cover defender, he scored 52 tackle points in only 22 matches, and was solid throughout.
Against a mostly right-raiding Titans' raiding unit, his combination with Fazel in that left corner will be crucial for his side. He could haul big on Dream11 and is a powerful surprise pick.
#1 Hem Raj (DEF) (BEN)
Despite making only substitute appearances this season, right corner defender Hem Raj grabbed eyeballs with his monstrous Super Tackles against the Patna Pirates that gave the Bengal Warriorz some respite in the match. Despite them losing that encounter, Hem Raj looks to have done enough to secure a place in the starting 7 ahead of Nitesh Kumar, and while he isn't the most proven PKL player, he looks to have a high points ceiling.
This is the right corner's first season in the PKL and his terrific build makes him a terrifying defender to go up against, especially when he comes around to block the run of a right raider, which is what the Titans' raiding unit is filled with.
Corner defenders always have a higher point-scoring potential over covers, and a player who has multiple strengths as a defender including being instrumental in Super Tackle situations is always a strong Dream11 option.