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UP Yoddhas joined the Pro Kabaddi League in season five. They were quite consistent in their first five seasons, qualifying for the playoffs in each edition. However, the streak ended in season 10, when the Yoddhas finished 11th in the standings.
Despite having star players like Pardeep Narwal, Surender Gill, Sumit Sangwan, Nitesh Kumar, and Ashu Singh, the Yoddhas won only four out of 22 matches in the tournament. Because of the team's disappointing show, the management decided to release Pardeep and Nitesh.
Some new faces like Bharat Hooda, Sahul Kumar, Heiderali Ekrami, Bhavani Rajput, and Vivek Kumar have joined the UP Yoddhas for PKL 11. The Yoddhas will take on Dabang Delhi KC in their first game on October 21. Before the Uttar Pradesh-based franchise start their PKL 11 campaign, here's a look at the three reasons why they can win the trophy this year.
#1 UP Yoddhas have 2 extremely talented raiders
As mentioned ahead, the Yoddhas have roped in Bharat Hooda for PKL 11. Hooda was the lead raider of the Bengaluru Bulls not long ago. Although he did not have a memorable season in PKL 10, no one can deny that he is a match-winner.
Plus, the Yoddhas retained Surender Gill in their squad, who has been with the team for a long time now. While he played the support raider's role to Pardeep Narwal in the last few seasons, he will have to lead the attack with Bharat this year. Surender is also the team's captain. If he remains free from injuries, the Yoddhas will be among the favorites to win PKL 11.
#2 UP Yoddhas have roped in 2 defenders who have won the PKL trophy in the past
The defense of the Yoddhas majorly featured their homegrown stars until last season. While Sumit and Ashu Singh are still with the Yoddhas, the team will have two very experienced defenders in Sahul Kumar and Mahender Singh at right corner and left cover, respectively.
They will replace Nitesh Kumar and Gurdeep, who have moved to other franchises. Sahul won the PKL trophy with Jaipur Pink Panthers in season nine, while Mahender lifted the title with Bengaluru Bulls in season six. The Yoddhas have lost many playoffs matches in the past, but with the experience of Sahul and Mahender, the defense should do better in crunch moments.
#3 Solid backups in the squad
Another impressive thing about this Yoddhas squad is that they have depth in both departments. Young raider Gagana Gowda performed well in the previous season, scoring 92 points in 13 matches. Shivam Chaudhary also got some PKL experience last season, while the team's raid unit also has Bhavani Rajput and Heidarali Ekrami.
In defense, the Yoddhas have various options like Hitesh, Sachin, Jayesh Mahajan, Gangaram, and Mohammadreza Kaboudrahangi as backups. With a solid bench, the UP Yoddhas could make it all the way to the PKL trophy in season 11.
