Pro Kabaddi League: Revamped Squad and New Leadership

Shilpa Rajan October 10, 2024

Pro Kabaddi League team Telugu Titans are set to hit the mat with renewed determination and a fresh approach in Season 11. This comes after a string of disappointing performances in recent PKL seasons. Finishing at the bottom of the standings in the last three campaigns, the team is eager to prove themselves and aim for a more successful season this time around.

A major shift that all teams should expect before the beginning of the season is the signing of the experienced coach Krishan Kumar Hooda. Hooda is known for winning a trophy with Dabang Delhi in Season 8 and having won the Dronacharya Award; his vast experience might be just what the Titans need to change their current situation. His lifted spirits bring in optimism, and under his tenure, the team is likely to be back able to play their games.

The Telugu Titans made some careful and calculated approaches in the Season 11 Player Auction since they were keen on changing and improving their squad. One of the more remarkable changes in their roster is that of Pawan Sehrawat, perhaps the best all-around player in the league, who was kept for a record-breaking INR 1.725 crores. With 1.189 career raid points, Suchrawat is an impactful player and will be the star of their tour and strategy. Also, the franchise acquired Krishan, one of the best defenders in PKL, for INR 70 lakh further enhancing the team’s defense line.

Pro Kabaddi League team Telugu Titans: Strengths

The Titans head into Season 11 with a revamped and versatile squad, boasting depth in both attack and defense. Pawan Sehrawat, who ranks third in all-time PKL raid points, will be a pivotal force on the mat. His contribution extends beyond raiding, as he has accumulated 65 tackle points, proving his defensive prowess as well.

Partnering him is Vijay Malik, another top-notch all-rounder, with 409 raid points and 81 tackle points under his belt. Together, they form a dynamic duo capable of influencing both ends of the mat.

In addition to Sehrawat and Malik, the Titans have added fresh talent to the roster, including Amit Kumar, Sanjeevi S, and Shankar Gadai. While these players may lack extensive PKL experience, they possess significant potential. Guided by a veteran coach like Krishan Kumar Hooda, these players could make a substantial impact this season.

Pro Kabaddi League team Telugu Titans: Weaknesses

Despite their strengths, the Titans face certain challenges. One of the most glaring weaknesses is the lack of a reliable secondary raider to support Pawan Sehrawat. While Sehrawat is undoubtedly a powerhouse, the team struggled last season when he needed revivals. Raiders like Prafull Zaware and Omkar Patil underperformed, with just 43 and 19 raid points, respectively, in Season 10. This lack of depth in the raiding department could hinder the Titans’ progress if not addressed effectively.

Opportunities

Defensively, the Titans have an opportunity to improve significantly with the acquisition of Krishan. Second only to the top tackler in the league last season, Krishan brings with him a wealth of experience and will be tasked with leading the defense. Alongside him, Iranian defenders Milad Jabbari and Ajit Pawar will need to step up and support the defensive unit. Jabbari and Pawar had decent performances in Season 10 but will be expected to elevate their game this time around.

Threats

The primary threat for the Titans lies in their defensive depth. While Krishan’s presence strengthens the defense, there is a noticeable lack of experienced backup defenders. The likes of Sagar, Ankit, and Mohammad Malak are relatively untested at the highest level, and the team could find themselves in trouble if their key defenders face injuries or suspensions.

In conclusion, the mission of Telugu Titans in this season seems to be on the verge of succeeding in a great deal. It has an experienced coach along with a wealth of talent and some new promising players, so they aim to cause a major impact. But, rather their effectiveness will depend on how well strength is maximized and weaknesses addressed comprehensively within the squad.