Overview

• UP Yoddhas have elevated star defender Sumit Sangwan to captain and cover defender Ashu Singh to vice-captain for the upcoming season
• Patna Pirates have named all-rounder Ankit Jaglan as captain and stalwart defender Deepak Singh as vice-captain, with Jaglan praising coach Anup Kumar’s influence
• Both Sangwan and Ashu began as New Young Players in Season 7 and have since become pillars of UP’s defensive unit
• Deepak Singh brings a career tally of 282 tackles to strengthen Patna’s defense as the Pirates pursue their fourth Pro Kabaddi League title
• The two teams will face off in the season opener, although reports vary on whether it kicks off on August 29 or September 1 pending official confirmation