New Delhi: Puneri Paltan would be eager to reclaim the title when the 12th edition of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) begins on August 29. One of the most consistent and successful teams in the tournament, the winners of the season 10 possess all the qualities to emerge as champions once again after impressing everyone with their flawless performance back in 2023.
In the season 11 of the league, Paltan did not have the best of the outings as they finished on a disappointing 8th position with just nine win in 22 matches. Shedding the terrible run in the 2024 season aside, promotion of their assistant coach as the head coach might aid their chances of putting up a solid performance. With a plethora of talented players in the house, the Paltan welcome former Indian Kabaddi team captain Ajay Thakur as their head coach ahead of the season.
39-year-old Thakur, who was ropes in by the team in the 11th season as their assistant coach, has got promoted to the head coach role. While they did not have the best of the performance under his guidance in the last season but the team believes that Thakur getting a full fledged coach role in season 12 might aid their performance.
Puneri Paltan SWOT analysis
Strength
The main strength for the Puneri Paltan ahead of the new season is the raiding unit. The raiders have always been part of their core earning them success in most of the games since many seasons. Ahead of the season 12 player auction, the team retained Pankaj Mohite who proved to be their star raider with 110 raid points in the last season. The team also managed to retain Mohit Goyat, their experienced raider who contributed with more than 80 raid points last season. Aslam Inamdar, their skipper, has also been retained and will play a key role in the team’s attack. Additionally, couple of new signings in the raiding department is expected to bolster their unit.
Weakness
While their attack is considered as their strength for the new season, their weakness lies in the defence which could act as an obstacle during their campaign. Though the side managed to retain their star right cover for the season – Abinesh Nadarajan, they failed to keep any backup for him. If Abinesh suffers any injury concern, that could risk their chances in the season. Apart from Vishal Bhardwaj and Gaurav Khatri, the team does not have an established defenders.
Opportunity
Puneri Paltan have several youngsters in the line-up who will be aiming to grab the limelight during the much-anticipated season. The young guns would aim at creating opportunities for themselves and the team with their fiery performances. One such name is Mohd Amaan, who plays in the left corner position and would like to continue from where he left in the last season. Amaan showcased his talent playing 14 matches in season 11 and did incredibly well.
Threats
Fitness of the team’s skipper Aslam Inamdar is one of the biggest threats for the side going into the 12th edition of PKL. The captain and all-rounder makes a comeback into the side after missing most of the last season as he was unfit. A tear in the knee ruled him out of the season 11 as he played only seven games for Puneri Paltan. Inamdar, who is a seasoned campaigner, would be hoping to put in a good show while keeping his fitness intact during the season.