PUN vs UP Dream11 Prediction: 3 surprise picks for today's Pro Kabaddi 2024 match - November 19, 2024
The UP Yoddhas (UP) and the Puneri Paltan (PUN) go head-to-head in the 63rd match of Pro Kabaddi 2024 on Tuesday, November 19, at the Noida Indoor Stadium.
The Paltan are winless in their last three outings, with two defeats and one tie in that period. They were edged out 28-30 by the Jaipur Pink Panthers in their last match, with their lack of end product in the raiding department costing them. They'll look to bounce back with a win today.
The Yoddhas, meanwhile, got back to winning ways in their last match against the Telugu Titans, winning 40-34. They'll want to keep the winning run going in front of home support.
On that note, let's look at the top three Dream11 surprise picks for this fixture.
#3 Mahender Singh (ALL) (UP)
The left cover position has been a bit of an Achilles heel for the UP Yoddhas, with three players like Vivek, Gangaram, and Mahender Singh the three options trialed in that position. The experienced Mahender was clearly the best in the position in the limited sample space we've had this season and he's likely to return to the starting 7 for them ahead of this fixture.
He has earned eight tackle points in seven matches so far, in comparison to Vivek and Gangaram, who's yet to score a single point this season. Going up against left raiders like Akash Shinde and V Ajith Kumar in the Paltan raiding lineup, Mahender could match the likes of Parvesh Bhainswal and Ajit Pawar in tackle point output in this match. He's a solid Dream11 surprise pick for this match.
#2 Sanket Sawant (DEF) (PUN)
Another left cover defender with low Dream11 backing, Sanket Sawant could be a crucial player for the Puneri Paltan in this fixture. The experienced defender is one of the leaders in their defense, and while his position means he doesn't always score the most points, his controlled aggression and great tackle timing has held him in his good stead.
While he only has 11 tackle points in 10 matches so far, that could change when they go up against the Yoddhas, who rely heavily on the left-raiding Bharat Hooda. Sanket should get ample opportunities to initiate tackles and could be a solid Dream11 surprise pick for this one.
#1 Akash Shinde (RAI) (PUN)
Akash Shinde has stepped up well to fill Aslam Inamdar's shoes for the Paltan and has been their most productive raider since their captain's injury. With 40 raid points to his name in only eight appearances of which quite a few were from the bench, his record looks even better.
He has mostly scored touch points, with his pace and quick toe touches troubling opposition defenders. Like most Paltan players, he's also an adept defender capable of putting in the odd tackle or two. The left cover has been a weak link all season for the Yoddhas and that position could be an easy target for Akash's running hand touches.
It is rare for a player with such a high points ceiling to have poor ownership levels. He could be a powerful Dream11 differential for this one.