Bharat Hooda’s Lackluster Debut in PKL 11 Raises Concerns for UP Yodhas

In a disappointing start to his season, Bharat Hooda, acquired for a staggering ₹1.30 crores by UP Yodhas during the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) 11 auction, failed to impress in his debut match. The highly anticipated match against Dabang Delhi KC marked Hooda’s first appearance for the Yodhas, but it ended up being a night to forget for the young raider.

Disappointing Debut

Fans and analysts had high hopes for Hooda, expecting him to deliver a strong performance right from the start. However, his debut match quickly turned into a struggle as he failed to score even a single point. Over the course of the match, Hooda attempted seven raids but was dismissed a staggering five times, failing to secure any successful raids. His lack of effectiveness became apparent, with Delhi’s defensive strategy proving to be too much for him to handle.

Hooda’s inability to answer the defensive challenges posed by players like Vikrant, Nitin Panwar, Ashish, and Yogesh Dahiya left the team and fans frustrated. This poor performance is reminiscent of his last season with the Bangalore Bulls, who chose not to retain him due to similar struggles.

Match Overview

The seventh match of PKL 11 showcased an intense contest between UP Yodhas and Dabang Delhi KC. Despite Hooda’s shortcomings, the Yodhas managed to clinch a 28-23 victory, largely thanks to standout performances from Bhavani Rajput, who scored seven points, and Sahul Kumar, who made significant contributions in defense with five tackle points.

The match was tightly contested, with both teams exchanging leads until UP Yodhas finally bowled out Delhi in a crucial moment. Despite the team’s overall victory, Hooda’s lack of contribution was a stark reminder of the pressure on him to perform.

Looking Ahead

UP Yodhas are hopeful that Hooda will regain his form in the upcoming matches. With the next fixture against Bengaluru Bulls scheduled for October 22, the team will need him to step up and prove his worth if they aim to maintain momentum and build on their first win.

As fans eagerly await Hooda’s performance in the upcoming games, the pressure is mounting for the young raider to deliver and live up to the hefty price tag placed on him during the auction.