Chennai: UP Yoddhas displayed grit, tactical sharpness, and individual brilliance in a tightly contested 39-41 encounter against Gujarat Giants at the SDAT Multi Purpose Indoor Stadium in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) 12.
While the result narrowly went Gujarat’s way, the Yoddhas’ ability to push a well-settled opponent deep into the contest reflected the growing cohesion and resilience within the unit.
The night belonged to Guman Singh, who led from the front with a commanding 14-point display. UP Yoddhas’ marquee auction signing lived up to his billing, blending smart tactical awareness with fearless raiding. His ability to engineer points under pressure kept UP firmly in the contest through both halves, often forcing Gujarat’s defence to recalibrate their strategy.
Supporting Guman, Bhavani Rajput chipped in with a crucial six points, adding depth to the offensive unit, while Gagan Gowda contributed four. Together, they ensured UP maintained attacking pressure throughout the match, never allowing Gujarat to settle into a prolonged defensive rhythm.
On the defensive front, Hitesh (5 tackle points) stood out with timely interventions that broke Gujarat’s momentum during crucial phases. Captain Sumit added three, while Mahender Singh chipped in with one.
What stood out was the Yoddhas’ composure in clutch moments. Even as Gujarat held slender leads, UP continued to respond with multi-point raids and coordinated defensive sequences that kept the game alive until the final whistle. The team’s tactical discipline, particularly with bursts of attacking aggression, demonstrated the influence of the experienced coaching duo Jasveer Singh and Upendra Malik.
The narrow two-point margin against Gujarat is a testament to their adaptability and fighting spirit. As they head into the business end of the season, performances like this provide the foundation for a potential late surge in their playoff quest.