On 24th August, we witnessed two matches that were laced with brilliant performances and Day 9 of Ultimate Kho Kho looks nothing short of a blockbuster. The first game of the night will be a tale of two contrasting teams - Odisha Juggernauts and Rajasthan Warriors who meet to battle it out at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Mahalunge, Pune. On the other hand, Telugu Yoddhas will look to maintain their top spot in the points table when they square off against Gujarat Giants in the second game of Thursday. 

Let’s have a look at what all to expect on the ninth matchday of UKK.

Match 17: Odisha Juggernauts vs Rajasthan Warriors

Odisha Juggernauts look like a very strong unit as they have won four out of the five matches they have played this season. They are currently placed at the second position on the points table. Subhasish Santra, the All-Rounder has been the go-to man for Odisha Juggernauts whenever they are in trouble. He has been the top Wazir in the tournament with 41 points. He was their top Defender in the previous game against Chennai Quick Guns with 1:18 seconds on the mat. Milind Chavrekar is another powerful All Rounder in their lineup. He was the Attacker of the game in the last game with 9 points. Overall, he has amassed 32 points in five matches so far. The Juggernauts would be hoping for these two to continue their form in the next game against the Warriors.

On the other hand, Rajasthan Warriors looked out of ideas in all the five matches they have played. They are struggling to survive in the competition. They will look to draw first blood and come to the party when they face the Juggernauts. Majahar Jamadar has been the kingpin for Rajasthan Warriors and with 72 attacking points, he is the top Attacker of the season. They are still trying to find their identity. All-Rounder, Hrushikesh Murchavade, who has scored 38 points in five matches will have to keep going to get his side over the finish line. The onus will be on Rajasthan Warriors to seek the first win when they lock horns with Odisha Juggernauts.

Head-to-Head: 

In the previous encounter between the two sides, Odisha Juggernauts clinched a remarkable 65-46 win against Rajasthan Warriors.

Match 18: Gujarat Giants vs Telugu Yoddhas

Gujarat Giants were complacent in the last two games. They have played five matches so far and have won three and lost the last two matches they have played. The points table does not do them justice here as the two games which they lost were by the barest of margins. The trio of Aniket Pote, Abhinandan Patil and Suyash Gargate have been instrumental for them. Aniket Pote has scored 41 points in five matches. The Attacker, Abhinandan Patil has got 39 points to his credit in five matches. He has also got the most number of Not Outs with a count of six. Suyash Gargate has scored 35 points in five matches. They would look to continue their ripe form against the table-toppers Telugu Yoddhas. 

Telugu Yoddhas have been a powerhouse in the attacking front and they have been equally good in the defence. They have played five matches so far and have won four and lost just one. They have been the top chasing team in the tournament with 256 points. They have taken three All Outs in this season which is most by any team in UKK. They are a star-studded team with the likes of Arun Gunki, the All-Rounder who has scored 48 points in five matches, Rohan Shingade who has scored 44 points in the five matches he has played so far and Avdhut Patil who has been one of their best Defenders with 31 points to his name. If these three get rolling the Telugu Yoddhas will look to fancy their chances. Both teams will face off for the first time in the tournament. So, we can expect a thriller on the cards.

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.