"If Shadloui goes for over ₹2 crore, we won't be able to get him back" - Aslam Inamdar discusses Puneri Paltan's PKL 2024 Auction strategy (Exclusive)
Puneri Paltan skipper Aslam Inamdar has discussed his team's strategy for the upcoming Pro Kabaddi 2024 Auction. Inamdar feels that the franchise may not be able to re-sign star all-rounder Mohammadreza Shadloui if his auction price is more than ₹2 crore.
namdar was the captain of Puneri Paltan when they won the Pro Kabaddi League Season 10 trophy earlier this year. Mohammadreza Shadloui played a huge role in the team's success. The Iranian player won the Best Defender award for scoring 99 tackle points. Besides, he chipped in with valuable raid points at crucial junctures.
In an exclusive chat with Sportskeeda ahead of the Pro Kabaddi 2024 auction, Aslam Inamdar reflected on his team's retained players list and sensed the need to have an experienced left-corner defender.
"We need a left corner. Rest of the team is basically the same as last time. If Shadloui goes for over ₹2 crore, we won't be able to get him back. Once the final list is here, we will decide who to buy. We need to buy someone who is of the same calibre otherwise we will feel his absence. We need a senior player there," Inamdar said.
It is pertinent to note that Mohammadreza Shadloui was sold for ₹2.35 crore at the previous auction, while Puneri Paltan only have ₹2.12 crore in their auction purse this time. Aslam Inamdar mentioned that money was one of the biggest reasons behind Pune releasing Shadloui before the Pro Kabaddi 2024 auction.
During the same chat, Inamdar added that he has been trying to be a better player after the previous season ended.
"Personally, I'm just trying to become better than last year. I'm trying to learn new skills in practice because sports is such that there's a lot of study being done so we need to learn something new every day so that our game isn't known by the opponent and they can't strategise against me," the Puneri Paltan captain said.
"There's no ego problems or seniority issues"- Aslam Inamdar showers praise on Puneri Paltan's team atmosphere
The atmosphere in the team plays a huge role in their success or failure in kabaddi. Last season, Puneri Paltan dominated the Pro Kabaddi League and won their first title. Aslam Inamdar opined that the Pune squad is so strong that it is difficult for him to leave out any raiders.
The skipper then mentioned that at times, he has to substitute himself as well, highlighting there were no ego issues in the squad.
"It's very difficult to choose two raiders. I handled all players last season as captain. I sometimes went out as substitute too because kabaddi is a match of seven people. Everyone wants to play well and be seen on TV. And all my players are of that calibre," Aslam said.
"All are strike raiders - Mohit, Akash, Pankaj and Aditya. We've been together for the past five years and our bond is very nice. There's no ego problems or seniority issues. Sometimes, they get upset if dropped but during the match, everyone supports each other. Difficult, but I manage it," he concluded.
Pro Kabaddi 2024 auction will take place on Thursday, August 15, and Friday, August 16, in Mumbai. It will be interesting to see which new players join Aslam Inamdar's Puneri Paltan team for the upcoming season.