Kabaddi Masters Dubai 2018, India vs Kenya: Predicted team and probable starting 7

Having trounced arch-rivals Pakistan by a huge 16-point margin in the opening encounter of the Kabaddi Masters 2018, an upbeat Indian side will be looking to overcome new entrants Kenya as the two teams lock horns for the second match of Group A at the Al Wasl Sports Club in Dubai.

Leading a side stacked with superstars, Ajay Thakur did more than just a commendable job to lead India to victory by leading from the front to pick 10 points including two tackle points in the second half of the game.

While Rahul Chaudhari looked slightly out of sorts, PKL's revelation raider Pardeep Narwal looked like a pale shadow of himself, unable to pick a point and could well make way for his ex-Patna Pirates teammate Monu Goyat.

The Indian defence led by the duo of Surjeet Singh and Surender Nada did well to keep the Pakistan raiders in check, which could see them retain their place for the clash against Kenya.

Mohit Chhillar, who had only one point from the game could well make way for Sandeep Narwal or if he does retain his place, Deepak Niwas Hooda, who almost had no contribution in the game except for a couple of raids might make way for veteran Manjeet Chhillar, who surprisingly sat out in the first game.

Kenya, led by the talismanic David Mosambayi, will have a huge challenge pitted against them, but with some strong men in the team, they are capable of proving stiff competition. In James Odhiambo and Odhiambo Ogak, Kenya have their defense in the right place while the raiding department and the host of all-rounders will have to be on top of their game to unsettle the strong Indian defense unit.

India's predicted lineup

Ajay Thakur (C) (Raider)

India's skipper did extremely well to lead the team with his quality performance as he picked up 10 points from the game, including two tackle points and will be expected to lead the raiding department against Kenya yet again.

Rahul Chaudhari (Raider)

Pro Kabaddi League's history maker with the most points ever in the competition had an off-day against Pakistan but his remarkable raiding can be given another go in order to get him back on track against the new entrants.

Monu Goyat (Raider)

Monu Goyat grabbed the headlines as he demanded the highest ever contract in the Pro Kabaddi League and for no small reason as the Services raider has consistently been amongst the points and will be hoping to make a mark as he faces a probable debut against Kenya in place of his Pirates skipper Pardeep Narwal.

Manjeet Chhillar (All-rounder)

One of India's finest all-rounders, Manjeet Chhillar surprisingly sat out in the encounter against Pakistan. His defensive prowess and raiding capabilities can hold India in good stead, which could see him starting in place of Deepak Niwas Hooda.

Surjeet Singh (Defender)

Having put on a strong show against Pakistan with some excellent skill from the cover position, Surjeet Singh will yet again form a vital part of the defensive unit with his colossal blocks and pro-active defending.

Surender Nada (Defender)

Having made the left corner position his own now for the last few years, Surender Nada's famous 'ankle hold' came to the fore against Pakistan as he stopped the raiders in their tracks and will be an important part of India's defence against the promising attack of Kenya.

Sandeep Narwal (Defender)

In what could be a straight toss up between 'The Beast' Sandeep Narwal and Mohit Chhillar, Sandeep could well get the nod with his strong show in the game against Pakistan, as he overshadowed Mohit Chhillar's below-par performance.

Follow LIVE updates of the India vs Kenya match here.

Kenya's predicted line-up

Kenya will look

to put

up a strong fight against heavyweights India.

David Mosambayi (C) (All-rounder)

The only Kenyan in the current setup to have experience from playing in the Pro Kabaddi League, David's contribution will be vital for Kenya to pose a challenge to India and will hope to take some learnings from the league to instill some confidence on his teammates.

Patrick Nzau Muvai (All-rounder)

A talented all-rounder who enjoys raiding over defending, Patrick's skill saw him earn a contract with the Haryana Steelers in the PKL for Season 6, which should give him the required confidence to showcase his skill on the biggest platform.

Chrispine Otieno Oketch (All-rounder)

The burly all-rounder will be banked on to contribute heavily to the defensive strategies, which are sure to come up against the firepower of the Indian raiders. Pipped as one of the best defenders in the team, Oketch will hope to live to his name.

Isaac Njoroge Ikigu (Raider)

A young raider, who is equally skillful while guarding the left cover position, Ikigu Njoroge will have to play second fiddle to the likes of David Mosambayi and Patrick Nzau and if he does indeed contribute, it could be testing times for India.

Esau Otieno (Defender)

A young defender who is still making his presence felt, Esau Otieno will be an important part of the Kenyan defense. Positioned as a right cover, Otieno will look to a thorn on the side of the Indian raiders.

Victor Obiero (Defender)

Touted as one of the men to look out for from the Kenyan team, all eyes will be on Victor Obiero when Kenya step onto the mat. With his defensive prowess, he would be hoping to keep the Men in Blue in check.

James Obilo (Defender)

One of the most experienced players in the squad, James Obilo's contribution from the left corner position will be of optimum importance for Kenya and his alliance along with skipper Mosambayi on the right corner will be one of the key factors for the African nation.

Follow Sportskeeda to keep yourself updated on all latest sports news.