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Haryana Steelers made an entry into the Pro Kabaddi League in season 5 along with Gujarat Fortune Giants, Tamil Thalaivas and UP Yoddha. The Sonipat-based franchise reached the play-offs in their debut season of PKL but, faltered in their second edition to crash out in the group stage.
The Steelers had a solid defense in season five with the likes of Mohit Chhillar and Surender Nada in their squad. In the next season, they had a strong raiding attack led by Monu Goyat.
However, for the upcoming Pro Kabaddi 2019, the Steelers have a relatively weaker squad compared to the previous two editions of the league.
With the format of the PKL undergoing a major change in 2019, Haryana may find it hard to make it to the second round. However, we should not forget the fact that these are the teams that often punch above their weight and surprise the fans.
As we build up to the upcoming PKL 2019, here is a look at three players who could have a fantastic season with the the Haryana Steelers.
#3 Dharmaraj Cheralathan
Dharmaraj Cheralathan will represent the Haryana Steelers for the first time in PKL history this year. The senior defender has played for multiple franchises in the past seasons and it is surprising that none of them have ever retained his services. Though he is not so agile as he once was, nobody can deny the fact that he is still one of the best corner defenders in the league.
The 2016 World Cup winner has over 250 tackle points to his name in 99 PKL matches. He also has the unique ability of playing at both the corner positions. Given that he is the team’s most experienced player, Cheralathan may be assigned the captaincy duty of the Haryana Steelers.
#2 Vikash Kandola
The one player who Haryana Steelers have nurtured in the PKL is Vikash Kandola. Vikash joined the franchise in season five and he has been one of the main raiders for the Steelers ever since. Very few fans may know that he was a part of Dabang Delhi K.C. in season four but he did not get good opportunities there, which led to his switch to Haryana Steelers.
In the two seasons Vikash has played for Haryana, the raider has scored 230 raid points in 31 matches. He has six Super 10s to his name, with his best performance being 15 points in a match. Vikash has an average of 6.65 raid points/match which makes him the best raider of the Haryana Steelers squad (in terms of average raid points).
Having represented the Steelers for two years, the onus will be on Vikash Kandola to deliver the goods for his franchise in PKL 2019.
#1 Prashanth Kumar Rai
The most expensive player signed by the Haryana Steelers in 2019, Prashanth Kumar Rai will have the responsibility of leading the team’s raiding department this year. Rai has a decent Pro Kabaddi experience having played 81 matches in the league. He has 10 Super 10s and 312 raid points to his name but, this year, the raider will face a new challenge.
Prashanth had always featured in the playing seven of his former teams as the second raider but he will be Haryana’s primary raider this year. The lanky raider can also chip in with some crucial tackles in crunch situations which makes him one of the players to watch out for from the Haryana Steelers.
It will not be an understatement to say that Prashanth Kumar Rai’s performance will determine how far the Haryana Steelers reach in PKL 2019.
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