Rishank Devadiga predicts the top 6 teams for Pro Kabaddi 2024 playoffs [Exclusive]
As the 11th season of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) intensifies, teams leave no stone unturned in their battle to secure a spot in the playoffs. With only six out of 12 teams advancing to the next stage, the competition is heating up, and every match is proving crucial.
Amid this gripping race, veteran player and commentator Rishank Devadiga has made a bold prediction, naming the six teams he believes will make it to the playoffs.
Known for his in-depth understanding of the game, Rishank’s insights carry weight in the kabaddi community. While speaking to Sportskeeda in an exclusive interview about the playoff race, he emphasized the tough competition between the teams and highlighted potential surprises as the league progresses.
When asked about his predictions about the top six teams for the Pro Kabaddi League 2024 playoffs, Rishank replied:
"There is a tough competition for the top 6 at the moment. I think Haryana Steelers will be in the first place. Apart from them, Telugu Titans, Puneri Paltan, Patna Pirates, U Mumba, and UP Yoddha can secure their place in the top six. Apart from this, Jaipur Pink Panthers also have a chance, but I think the fight is going to be very tough. There can be constant changes in the 4-5-6 positions and according to me things can become clear to a great extent in the coming week."
Rishank's prediction reflects the dynamic nature of the Pro Kabaddi League and the closely contested race for the playoffs. While he believes the top spots will likely go to consistent performers like Haryana Steelers and Telugu Titans, he also anticipates a tight battle for the final slots.
Rishank reflects on big players being dropped in Pro Kabaddi League 2024
This Pro Kabaddi League season has been marked by bold decisions from team management, with several big names being dropped from the playing seven.
Bengal Warrioz benched Maninder Singh and Nitesh Kumar, Tamil Thalaivas rested PKL 2024's most expensive player Sachin Tanwar, and UP Yoddha even left out their captain, Surender Gill, on multiple occasions.
Sharing his thoughts on these changes, Rishank said:
"We also talk about it in commentary that when there are so many changes in the team, the players are under pressure. When I used to play, I used to think that if I made a mistake, the coach might drop me from the playing 7. When this thing comes to the mind of the players, they definitely come under pressure and it affects their performance."
"Maninder Singh and Sachin Tanwar are great players and they have constantly proved themselves. Due to constant changes, there is pressure on them. When they are playing, they are afraid that they might make a mistake," he added.
Rishank highlighted the importance of stability within a team and the impact of consistent support on a player’s confidence and performance.
"According to me, there should not be so many changes in the team and this disturbs the balance. The team management should work on where the players are making mistakes and increase their confidence. This will enable them to give their best performance," he concluded.
Rishank's analysis provides valuable insights into the challenges faced by players and team management in the fiercely competitive Pro Kabaddi environment.