We were treated to a good climax in the matches we saw on Tuesday in the Ultimate Kho Kho (UKK) and we are now in for the final day of the league stage at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Mahalunge, Pune. Gujarat Giants will face spirited Rajasthan Warriors in the first game of the evening. Thereafter, in the second game, Telugu Yoddhas will be locking horns with the top-ranked Odisha Juggernauts.
Let’s have a look at what all to expect on the final league stage matchday of Ultimate Kho Kho.
Match 29: Gujarat Giants vs Rajasthan Warriors
Gujarat Giants have been one of the teams to watch out for in the inaugural UKK season. The Giants have won six matches and have lost three in the competition. They were outplayed in the last game against Telugu Yoddhas and would look to bounce back in their final league stage game before they take on Odisha Juggernauts in Qualifier 1. Their coach changed more than half of their side and we saw a lot of new names in the lineup in their previous encounter. We can expect a few of their key players to return in this game so that they can get some match practice ahead of the playoffs.
On the other hand, Rajasthan have had a hapless campaign so far. They lost eight matches on the trot before they tasted success in their previous game against Chennai Quick Guns. They looked a totally different side in their last game and would look to take some positives out of it and continue from where they left off. Their captain, Majahar Jamadar is having a season to remember for years. He is just shy of two points of reaching the 100-point mark in the UKK. He could be the second player to do so if he gets a game against the Giants. Hrushikesh Murchavade has also been in top form with 80 points to his name. The Warriors will look to make the most out of their last game this season.
Head-to-Head:
The two sides have met once in the tournament so far and Gujarat Giants emerged victorious in a close game against Rajasthan Warriors by a scoreline of 42-40.
Match 30: Telugu Yoddhas vs Odisha Juggernauts
Telugu Yoddhas have played some good Kho Kho in the tournament so far. They have five wins and four losses in their kitty. They will be high on confidence after registering a thumping win against Gujarat Giants in their previous contest. They have scored 519 points in the attack which is the most by any team in the UKK. Arun Gunki has been their star performer with 70 points in nine matches. Rohan Shingade has been a consistent scorer for the Yoddhas who has 63 points to his name. Avdhut Patil, who showed his class in the last game with a 16-point Dream Run, has amassed 54 points so far.
Odisha Juggernauts have been unrelenting this season with 7 wins and just 2 losses against their name. They rested some of their key players in the previous game against Mumbai Khiladis which resulted in a heavy loss for the Juggernauts. Dinesh Naik S, the Attacker was the only positive for them in that game. It will be interesting starting XII to see from the Juggernauts camp. Their main players would look to keep themselves fresh for Qualifier 1. Odisha Juggernauts look like a strong side on paper but Telugu Yoddhas can also beat any team if it’s their day. All in all, it promises to be an exciting contest.
Head-to-Head:
Both sides have played one game amongst them where Odisha Juggernauts secured a comfortable 48-39 margin win against Telugu Yoddhas.
Where and when to watch?
Watch Ultimate Kho Kho Live and exclusive on Sony Ten 1, Sony Ten 3, Sony Ten 4 and Sony Liv tonight. The first game of the day will start at 7:30 PM IST, while the second game of the day will begin at 8:45 PM IST.
