Pro Kabaddi 2024: 3 reasons why Telugu Titans could win PKL 11
The Telugu Titans have been a part of all the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) tournaments played so far. However, they have never played a single final. In fact, they have the least playoffs appearances (2) by any team that has played in all the seasons of the PKL. Only the Tamil Thalaivas (1 playoff appearance) have qualified for the next round fewer times than the Titans, but the Thalaivas did not play in the first four editions.
It shows how much the Telugu Titans have struggled in the Pro Kabaddi League. In fact, they have managed only five wins in its last 66 matches. With the aim of bringing about a major revolution in the team's fortunes, the Titans hired former Dabang Delhi KC coach Krishan Kumar Hooda as their new head coach for PKL 11.
Hooda has assembled a better squad for the Titans as compared to their team in season 10, where they were heavily reliant on Pawan Sehrawat. Before the Titans start their PKL 11 campaign against the Bengaluru Bulls on October 18, here's a look at the three reasons why the Telugu franchise can finally win its first trophy in season 11.
#1 Telugu Titans players have a different belief this year
Generally, the camp of the Telugu Titans has been low on morale because of the team's disappointing performances. Also, because of their poor record, some of the team's opponents have taken the team lightly in the recent seasons.
However, this year, there is a different energy in the Titans camp. When Sportskeeda interviewed the Titans' new defender Krishan Dhull, he said that the team aims to win the PKL 11 trophy without losing a single game in the tournament.
"The team has only won 5 out of the last 66 matches, so now, we will try to win all 22 matches and become the champions also," Krishan said.
It is rare to see such bold predictions from a team's player in the PKL. It shows that the Titans are extremely confident ahead of the 11th edition of the league.
#2 The Pawan Sehrawat and Vijay Malik duo
Last year, the Telugu Titans raid unit was heavily reliant on Pawan Sehrawat. Even the defense could not play to its full potential, which is why Pawan had to contribute in the tackling department as well.
However, this year, the Titans have roped in star all-rounder Vijay Malik. Vijay won the PKL season eight championship with the Dabang Delhi KC. He can be a perfect support raider to Pawan and also a valuable defender. If Pawan and Vijay stay injury free, the Titans will be unstoppable.
#3 X-factor coach Krishan Kumar Hooda
The Titans made a fantastic decision by signing Krishan Kumar Hooda as their coach for season 11. Hooda is a master strategist, who has guided Dabang Delhi KC to the trophy. It is pertinent to note that even the Dabangs struggled to qualify for playoffs before Hooda joined the franchise.
The Telugu Titans fans will hope that Hooda's arrival brings a similar turnaround in fortunes for their franchise.