Pro Kabaddi 2024: 5 players UP Yoddhas might retain before PKL 12 ft. Gagan Gowda, Sumit Sangwan
UP Yoddhas qualified for the playoffs in Pro Kabaddi 2024 but failed to make it to the final once again. The Uttar Pradesh-based franchise have made it to the playoffs six times in the seven seasons they have played, and on all occasions, they have been eliminated before the final.
The Yoddhas finished third in the Pro Kabaddi 2024 points table, registering 13 victories in 22 league matches. They crushed the Jaipur Pink Panthers in the Eliminator by 46-18. However, in the semifinal against table-toppers Haryana Steelers, the Yoddhas ended up losing by 25-28.
Considering how well the team performed during the competition, the UP Yoddhas backroom staff may prefer retaining the following five players for the next edition of the Pro Kabaddi League.
#1 Gagan Gowda can be the main raider of UP Yoddhas next season
When PKL 2024 began, all fans had their eyes on UP Yoddhas captain Surender Gill. However, Gill got injured, and then, youngster Gagan Gowda got an opportunity. Gowda grabbed it with both hands, scoring 146 points in just 18 matches.
Gowda's performances were so impressive that the Yoddhas ignored Gill even after he recovered from his injury. It should not be a surprise if Gowda plays as the main raider for the Yoddhas in PKL 12.
#2 Sumit Sangwan
After Surender Gill's injury, Sumit Sangwan stepped up and captained the UP Yoddhas. The stand-in skipper did a magnificent job as the Yoddhas finished in the top 3 of the standings despite a slow start.
Apart from his excellent job as captain, Sumit also earned everyone's praise with his solid work in the left corner position. Sumit holds the seventh position on the defenders' leaderboard right now, having earned 72 tackle points in 23 matches.
#3 Hitesh
Sumit Sangwan's corner partner Hitesh surprised everyone with his brilliant performance in the right side of UP Yoddhas' defense. The Yoddhas preferred Hitesh over the experienced Sahul Kumar, and the youngster did not let the team management down.
Hitesh ended the season as the most successful defender of the Yoddhas team. The right corner specialist earned 74 tackle points in 23 matches, averaging more than three tackle points per game.
#4 Bhavani Rajput
Tall raider Bhavani Rajput proved himself as a big-match player for the Yoddhas in PKL 12. The raider earned 156 points in 22 matches, with his raid strike rate being 45%.
Notably, Rajput scored eight Super 10s and executed three super raids during the season. It should not be a surprise if the Yoddhas retain Rajput for the next edition of the league.
#5 Keshav Kumar
Rising star Keshav Kumar joined the UP Yoddhas as an NYP signing ahead of the Pro Kabaddi 2024 season. Kumar got 14 matches, where he scored 19 points. It is pertinent to note that Kumar majorly played as a substitute.
His unpredictable footwork made it difficult for the defenders to tackle him down. If groomed well during the off season, Kumar can be a decent support raider to Gagan Gowda and Bhavani Rajput next year.