Patna Pirates have not had a very good outing in the Pro Kabaddi League this year, but they will be looking to change their fortunes as they go into the first game in their home turf at the Patliputra Sports Complex.
However, the task gets a bit hefty as they open their home leg this year against second-placed Telugu Titans.
The Pirates have just a win and two losses and are currently riding at the bottom of the table. However, their previous win against Jaipur Pink Panthers at the Panthers' home turf will give them the much-needed confidence ahead of the game.
The performances of skipper Rakesh Kumar was vital in their last game in Jaipur as they defeated the hosts 29-23, and he will be looking to continue the same in the upcoming match.
Sandeep and Deepak Narwal are also shining stars in the Patna side, and so is Pakistani defender Wasim Sajjad.
The Telugu Titans meanwhile are on a league of their own. If current standings are concerned, it is only leaders U Mumba that they have to worry about.
With four wins and just a solitary loss, the Hyderabad side – led by skipper Deepak Hudda – will be eyeing their fifth victory.
The Titans crushed Jaipur Pink Panthers in their last game with star raider Rahul Chaudhary and Deepak stealing the spotlight.
And Titans coach Srinivas Reddy is elated about his team's displays so far.
"Our team is very good and we have very good bench strength. We will continue our (good) performances throughout the tournament," Yahoo quoted Srinivas as saying.
The coach also spoke about his rotating captain policy.
"Captaincy in kabaddi depends on the person – There are players who can handle the responsibility easily or some who took unnecessary pressure of captaincy; Because of that, the individual's performance gets affected," Srinivas added.
"The problem with Rahul [Chaudhary] was that he was not able to perform with that responsibility. That's why we decided to change the captain and the decision worked and he performed (Rahul scored 11 points against Jaipur Pink Panthers). Deepak Hudda will lead us in the rest of the tournament."
The match between Patna and Titans gets underway at 8 pm IST (3:30pm BST).
Previous meeting - 23 August, 2014: Patna Pirates 29 - 32 Telugu Titans
Where to Watch Live:
Pro Kabaddi League: Patna Pirates vs Telugu Titans, can be caught LIVE on Star Sports.
Hindi Coverage - Star Sports 3, Star Sports HD 3, Star Gold
English Coverage - Star Sports 2, Star Sports HD 2
Telugu Coverage - Maa Movies
Kannada Coverage - Suvarna Plus
Marathi Coverage - Star Pravah (Sunday Matches only)
UK viewers can catch the action on Life OK
Live streaming will be available on Hotstar and starsports online
