New Delhi: Gujarat Giants endured a forgetful campaign last season as they finished a disappointing 11th, managing only 5 wins in 22 matches. With a new coach at the helm, the Giants will be looking to make a strong comeback in the upcoming Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) 2025. Giants have appointed kabaddi veteran Jaivir Sharma as the new head coach.
Jaivir, one of the most respected figures in the Indian kabaddi circuit, has over 30 years of experience, having coached the Indian team in the past. India won gold medals at the Kabaddi World Cup, Asian Games and the Kabaddi Championships under Jaivir. He has replaced Ram Mehar Singh, who was removed by the franchise after their poor show last season.
Giants are yet to win their maiden PKL title, but have twice finished as the runners-up in the tournament. They made it to back-to-back finals in their first two seasons in the PKL in 2017 and 2018, however, they failed to lift the trophy after losing in both finals. They have not enjoyed a great run in the tournament over the last few seasons, and will be hoping to lift their first title in PKL 12.
Giants spent a whopping Rs 4.967 crore at the PKL 12 auction earlier this year to bolster their squad ahead of the new season and will be hoping to make a strong comeback under head coach Jaivir. Giants made Iranian all-rounder Mohammadreza Shadloui their most expensive signing at the auction and will be hoping he can guide them to a title triumph in PKL 2025.
Gujarat Giants strengths
Gujarat Giants’ attack is one of their biggest strengths ahead of the new season. They broke the bank to sign Iranian all-rounder Mohammadreza Shadloui at the PKL 12 auction, who has been one of the best players in the PKL over the last few seasons. Giants paid a whopping Rs 2.23 crore for the Iranian, who bagged an impressive 82 tackle points and 57 raid points to play a key role in Haryana Steelers’ maiden title triumph.
As expected, Shadloui triggered a bidding war at the auction, but Giants went all in to secure their no.1 target. His addition has added great overall balance to the Giants squad. They also have the likes of Parteek Dahiya, Rakesh Sungroya and Himanshu Singh in their raiding unit, making them one of the best attacking teams in PKL 2025.
Gujarat Giants weaknesses
While they invested heavily in their attack, there are glaring weaknesses in the Gujarat Giants’ defence heading into the new season. Shadloui, who was the team’s most expensive signing at the auction, is expected to spearhead the defence as well as the attack.
He is the only established name in their defence, leaving them in a spot of bother. Gujarat Giants have some exciting talents in their defensive unit, but it remains to be seen if they can step up in the new season to guide the team to their maiden title.
Gujarat Giants Opportunities
Gujarat Giants will be hoping to at least make it to the playoffs after enduring disappointing campaigns in the last few seasons. Under new head coach Jaivir, who has helped India produce a number of talented players over the years, the Giants will be hopeful of their young guns shining in the new season.
Giants retained raider Parteek Dahiya despite his poor campaign last season and will be hoping he can regain his mojo under head coach Jaivir. Dahiya will also have support from the likes of Mohammadreza Shadloui and Rakesh Sungroya, among others. All eyes will also be on the Giants’ new signing V Ajith Kumar, who has 494 raid points in 90 matches in the PKL.
Gujarat Giants threats
The biggest threat for the Giants ahead of the new season is the gaping hole in their defensive unit, which lacks experience. Gujarat Giants will also be playing under their new coaching setup for the first time this season, and it remains to be seen how they will perform under the guidance of head coach Jaivir. The Giants will also have the pressure of shunning the underperformers tag after their dismal show last season.