New Delhi: Patna Pirates have appointed Ankit Jaglan as their captain and Deepak Singh as vice-captain ahead of the Pro Kabaddi League season 12, which is set to begin on 29 August. The Pirates will start their campaign against UP Yoddhas on September 12. They are looking to win their fourth title in the upcoming season to cement their position as the best franchise in PKL history.
The franchise came very close in the last edition of the PKL. The Anup Kumar-led team is currently training as part of their pre-season camp. Captain Ankit Jaglan has been a crucial part of the franchise for the third year running, and is also the highest-paid all-rounder.
Vice Captain Deepak Singh has accumulated a total of 282 tackles, showcasing his ability to destroy the opposing team’s raiders effectively and is crucial to the team’s strong defence.
Patna Pirates have a formidable lineup with Ankit and Deepak as leader, and will be supported by Ayan Lohchab, Navdeep, Sudhakar Maruthamuthu, Deepak Jaglan, Hamid Mirzaei Nader, Sanket Sawant, Sombir, Amin Ghorbani, Maninder Singh, Ankit Kumar, Mandeep Kumar, Milan Dahiya, Sahil Patil, Ashish Birwal, Balaji, Jadhav Shahaji and Saurabh Narwal.
‘I am thankful for the opportunity’: Ankit Jaglan
Skipper Ankit Jaglan said that he’s thankful for the opportunity to lead the Patna Pirates, and the aim is to compete at the highest level for the entire squad. He further added that coach Anup Kumar has been such a great learning curve, and his experience and coaching style will only take this squad further.
“There is no doubt that we are aiming for the ultimate prize and the entire squad knows their role and are looking forward to execute to take Patna Pirates all the way,” said Ankit Jaglan.
Patna Pirates CEO Pawan Rana said that the franchise has always showcased a brand of kabaddi that the fans love and appreciate over the years.
“This season will be no different under the leadership of Ankit, Deepak and Anup Kumar. We were agonizingly close to our fourth championship win, and we will kick off the season with our eye on that singular goal,” said Mr. Pawan Rana, CEO, Patna Pirates.