New Delhi: Telugu Titans gear up for season 12 of the Pro Kabaddi League with a well-balanced side. They are one of the few teams that have never lifted the PKL title, but now, under Krishan Kumar Hooda, the Titans will be aiming to lift their maiden trophy.
Titans missed the last season’s playoffs after finishing in the seventh position with 66 points in 22 matches. This season, the Titans will also host some matches of PKL 12, which will definitely give them an advantage compared to other teams.
The Hyderabad-based franchise made some wise decisions in the auction by picking fresh talent for the new season.
Telugu Titans’ Strengths
Their depth in both the attack and defence departments will be their primary strength ahead of the season. The mix of experienced and young players will boost the Titans in every department.
The acquisition of Bharat Hooda will boost the raiding department as Bharat will make a perfect raiding trio with Vijay Malik and Jai Bhagwan. All three raiders can dismantle any team’s defence attack on their given day.
Shubhma Shinde’s addition to the defence attack will definitely help Titans. Shinde brings experience, aggression, and leadership qualities to the ground.
Telugu Titans’ Weakness
The departure of Pawan Kumar Sehrawat will be a concern for Titans, as Pawan’s leadership style changed the game anytime in favour of his team. In the last few years, Pawan was a vital cog in the Titans’ engine.
The inexperience in the right cover position will also be an area of concern. Sagar Rawal played just one season, who will start the season on the right cover, and apart from him, Avi Duhan is available for that position, but he is yet to make his debut in PKL.
Telugu Titans’ Opportunities
A Dronacharya Awardee, Krishna Kumar Hooda, who guided Dabang Delhi to their first-ever PKL title in season 8, will be eyeing to also guide Titans to their first-ever PKL trophy.
The young talents like Chetan Sahu, Rohit Rathee, Nitim, and Sagar Rawal are also ready to showcase their talent on the big stage.
Telugu Titans’ Threats
The inconsistency of the players will be a major threat to the franchise, as Bharat’s form dipped in the last two years, where he just scored 205 raid points. The lack of a match-winner will also be missed for the Titans as they don’t have a star raider after releasing Pawan.