BLR vs PUN Dream11 Prediction: 3 surprise picks for today's Pro Kabaddi 2024 match - October 25, 2024
The Bengaluru Bulls (BLR) and the Puneri Paltan (PUN) face off in the second match of a PKL 11 double-header on Friday, October 25, at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium in Hyderabad.
Both teams come into this match on the back of defeats. The Bulls suffered their third straight loss in a torrid start to the season and were at the receiving end of a 57-36 drubbing by the UP Yoddhas. Meanwhile, the Puneri Paltan's solid start was somewhat marred by their 35-30 defeat to the Tamil Thalaivas which could've been much worse had it not been for the brilliance of Mohit Goyat.
As both teams look for the win in this fixture for very different reasons, let's take a look at who the top three Dream11 surprise picks would be.
#3 Parteek (ALL) (BLR)
Bengaluru Bulls' left cover Parteek is a Dream11 surprise pick who could score a fair few points in this match. Going up against the likes of Aslam Inamdar and potentially Akash Shinde who're both left raiders, Parteek will have a task on his hands in this match.
However, the defending all-rounder's PKL 10 numbers are solid, strengthening his credentials. In 13 appearances, Parteek scored 27 tackle points, a respectable number for a cover defender.
In his last appearance vs Puneri Paltan, Parteek had an outstanding game where he scored six tackle points and was the Bulls' best player in a 31-40 defeat. He's someone you can certainly punt on in this fixture.
#2 Ajinkya Pawar (RAI) (BLR)
Ajinkya Pawar was one of the most sought-after raiders at the PKL 11 auction, and the Bulls went after him relentlessly, eventually securing his services for ₹1.10 crore. However, the season hasn't started as well as the left raider would've liked as he has scored only 13 raid points in three matches.
However, Ajinkya's stats in earlier PKL seasons illustrate what a top player he is. With 133 raid points for the Thalaivas in PKL 10, he was one of their lead raiders, and he will be required to step up alongside Pardeep Narwal if the Bulls want to turn their season around.
With a very high points ceiling and a history of being a proven performer, Ajinkya Pawar is a solid Dream11 surprise pick.
#1 Sanket Sawant (DEF) (PUN)
Sanket Sawant is often the least-owned Puneri Paltan player primarily because he scores the least amount of points, but that more or less is down to his position and temperament. Unlike tackle-happy defenders, Sanket doesn't have a high volume of tackles, but when he does go in for one, he more or less gets them right.
The left cover position isn't the highest point-scoring one in any defense, but when you're playing against the Bengaluru Bulls side that has been assembled this season, that changes. Most of their raiders are left raiders, increasing the chances of tackle points for the right corner and the left cover defenders to initiate tackles and take home the tackle points.
Given how the Bulls have been dominated so far, it won't be a surprise if the Paltan register a couple of all-outs against them, further adding to Sanket Sawant's Dream11 point potential. He is someone who you should consider for your teams in this match.