Patna and Haryana aim to top their respective zones

After a day’s break, VIVO Pro Kabaddi action returns to the Harivansh Tana Bhagat Indoor Stadium at Ranchi on Tuesday. Zone A giants Puneri Paltan and Haryana Steelers will face off in the first match of the evening, while home team Patna Pirates, revitalised after Monday’s break, will take on Bengaluru Bulls from the south. Here’s a look at how the teams stack up against each other.

Match 84 (Zone A): Puneri Paltan vs Haryana Steelers

Head-to-head: Puneri Paltan 1-0 Haryana Steelers

Puneri Paltan have started Season 5 brilliantly, and have been one of the most consistent teams in the league. They have won 7 of their 10 matches so far, notching up 37 points in the process. Captain Deepak Hooda has led from the front in the raiding department aided ably by Rajesh Mondal, while Dharmaraj Cheralathan has sturdily held the reins of the defence. However, that one man Haryana’s defence and attack need to be particularly wary of is star all-rounder Sandeep Narwal, who has been on a roll this season.

Haryana Steelers, on the other hand, enters tonight’s match on the back of a satisfactory home leg. Sitting second in Zone A with 49 points, a win or tie will see them reaching the summit. Star defenders captain Surender Nada and Mohit Chhillar did not feature in their last home match and are sure to wreak havoc tonight after a much-needed rest. Deepak Kumar Dahiya’s form in recent matches has been exceptional as well. With a complete Paltan side lined up against them, all departments need to fire simultaneously for Haryana to avenge their previous defeat.

Match 85 (Zone B): Patna Pirates vs Bengaluru Bulls

Head-to-head: Patna Pirates 8-2 Bengaluru Bulls

Patna Pirates are currently unbeaten at home, and a win tonight will see them displacing Bengal Warriors at the top of Zone B. Pardeep Narwal and Monu Goyat have been in exceptional form and the main reason behind Patna’s recent dominance. However, the Vishal Mane-led defence has been a worrying factor. With the Bulls’ shaky defence in front of them, however, the Pirates raiders can be expected to paper over the defensive cracks.

Bengaluru Bulls, on the other hand, have got back some composure after putting an end to a six-match losing streak. Captain Rohit Kumar’s form has been good this season but he has lacked support as the other raiders have been inconsistent. The Ravinder Pahal-led defence has also been an area of worry for the Bulls throughout, but they appear to be finding their feet in their last two matches. With a fiery Patna side on the other side, the Bulls need to hold their nerve and ensure no silly mistakes are committed.

Catch the action live from Ranchi on the Star Sports network and hotstar from 7.30 pm onwards.