Pro Kabaddi 2024: Predicting the playing 7 for Gujarat Giants for PKL 11
Gujarat Giants will lock horns with the Bengaluru Bulls to kickstart their Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) 2024. The game takes place on October 20 at Gachibowli Indoor Stadium in Hyderabad.
The last edition saw the Giants secure 13 wins in 22 games and qualify for the playoffs. However, they lost 25-42 to the Haryana Steelers in the Eliminator 2.
They opted to retain five players - Parteek Dahiya, Rakesh, Balaji D, Jitender Jadhav and Nitin. Meanwhile, the PKL 2024 auction saw the franchise in action mode, as they purchased 15 players.
The key signings for the team were in the form of raider Guman Singh and Iranian all-rounder Mohammad Esmaeil Nabibakhsh.
On that note, let's take a look at the probable playing 7 for the Gujarat Giants in PKL 2024.
#1 Guman Singh (Raider)
The third-most expensive player in the PKL 2024 auction will be the key raider for the side. Guman Singh had a terrific 2023 season for U Mumba, where he scored 163 raid points in 18 games with nine Super 10s and a success rate of 51%.
Overall, Guman has made 58 appearances in the PKL and registered 400 raid points with 20 Super 10s.
#2 Parteek Dahiya (Raider)
Making his PKL debut for Gujarat Giants in 2022, Parteek Dahiya impressed with his performance. He amassed 178 raid points in 19 games with 11 Super 10s and a success rate of over 50%.
In the last edition, Dahiya registered 130 raid points, with six Super 10s and a success rate of 36%. The consistent performances earned him the much-deserved retention from the franchise.
#3 Rakesh Sungroya (Raider)
Rakesh Sungroya has been another player who has maintained his superb performances for the Giants in recent years. After a 140-point debut season in 2022, Sungroya has returned with 131 & 108 points in the last two seasons.
With the team management's trust and confidence in his abilities, he will look to continue his strong performances for the team in PKL 2024.
#4 Sombir Gulia (Right corner)
Despite the Giants releasing the defender Sombir Gulia, they brought him back in the PKL 2024 auction. Making his debut in 2016, Gulia has accumulated 194 tackle points in 94 games.
In the last edition, Gulia earned 52 tackle points with four High 5s and a success rate of 42%.
#5 Harsh Lad (Left corner)
Harsh Lad's services were secured by the Giants in the 2024 season. In two seasons, he has earned a total of 23 tackle points.
#6 Neeraj Kumar (Right cover)
The talented defender Neeraj Kumar found his new home in the form of the Gujarat Giants in PKL 2024. He played four seasons with the Patna Pirates and accrued 172 tackle points with nine High 5s and a success rate of 38%.
The last edition saw Neeraj secure 31 tackle points with two High 5s. He will look to take his game to the next level with the Giants.
#7 Vahid Rezaeimehr (Left cover)
Vahid Rezaeimehr made his PKL debut in the 2023 season for the Puneri Paltan. In five appearances, Rezaeimehr scored six tackle points and held a success rate of 44%.
Probable 7 for Gujarat Giants in PKL 2024
Guman Singh, Parteek Dahiya, Rakesh Sungroya, Sombir Gulia, Harsh Lad, Vahid Rezaeimehr, Neeraj Kumar