Telugu Yoddhas, the GMR group-owned franchisee in the Ultimate Kho Kho League, will kick off their Ultimate Kho Kho Season 2 campaign on 24th December 2023 at the Jawahar Lal Nehru Indoor Stadium, Cuttack, Odisha, against Mumbai Khiladis. Pratik Waikar, one of the top defenders from season 1 with a total defending time of 20:13, will lead the charge for Telugu Yoddhas this season. The Yoddhas, who finished as runners-up in the inaugural season, will have eyes set on the summit this season.
Telugu Yoddhas will play the second game of the opening day against Mumbai Khiladis, which will be telecast LIVE and exclusive on the Sony Sports Network. LIVE streaming of the game will be available on the SonyLIV platform on December 24, 2023 (Sunday), from 8:30 PM onwards.
Led by all-rounder Pratik Waikar, the Telugu Yoddhas squad for Season 2 is an inspiring mix of youth and experience, coached by the experienced Sumit Bhatia. Milind Chawdekar, who will play the role of Pratik’s deputy, will also have able support from one of the top all-rounders from last season, Arun Gunki and star defender Avdhut Patil, who will continue with the team from Season 1.
Before going into the first encounter, Pratik Waikar, Captain, Telugu Yoddhas, said, “We have eagerly awaited this day, and we are thrilled that it has finally arrived. With a well-balanced team composition capable of turning the tides in our favour, we are confident and ready for the challenges ahead. Our pre-season training has been rigorous, and now we are just eager to hit the ground. The opening encounter against Mumbai Khiladis will set the course for the rest of the tournament. As a team, we are confident in delivering a strong performance in our opening game.”
Telugu Yoddhas were the stand-out performers from season 1, leading the charge in most of the departments, including the Highest Team Total Points (759), Highest Team Attacking Points (593), Highest Team Defending Points (120) and Highest Team All-Outs Taken (6) will take the mat on Sunday night hoping to thrill fans with a new look team for season 2.
Telugu Yoddhas will take the mat tomorrow with a completely new attacking line-up led by Lipun Mukhi and Sourabh Adavkar. The defensive line-up will be led by experienced Avdhut Patil and Prasad Radye, while All-rounders Arun Gunki, Captain Pratik Waikar and his deputy Milind Chawdekar will have the responsibilities on their shoulders to maintain the momentum.
