Pro Kabaddi 2024: 5 players teams could regret not retaining
The Pro Kabaddi 2024 auction will take place on August 15 and 16 in Mumbai. More than 500 players from different parts of the world will go under the hammer over the two days.
12 teams, namely Gujarat Giants, Tamil Thalaivas, Patna Pirates, Telugu Titans, UP Yoddhas, Haryana Steelers, U Mumba, Jaipur Pink Panthers, Dabang Delhi KC, Bengaluru Bulls, Bengal Warriors, and Puneri Paltan will be part of the Pro Kabaddi 2024 auction. All teams announced their respective lists of retained players a few days ago.
While most of the teams have retained their key players, some of the franchises have made eyebrow-raising calls as well. Here's a list of five players the franchises could regret releasing before the Pro Kabaddi 2024 auction.
Pro Kabaddi 2024: 5 players teams could regret not retaining
#1 Ajinkya Pawar, Tamil Thalaivas
Tamil Thalaivas could not qualify for the Pro Kabaddi playoffs last season, but all-rounder Ajinkya Pawar impressed the fans with his performances. Pawar finished 13th on the raiders' leaderboard with 124 raid points in 21 matches.
Since he formed a solid pair with Narender Kandola, fans expected the Thalaivas to retain their two main raiders. Kandola will continue representing the Thalaivas but Pawar is back in the Pro Kabaddi 2024 auction pool.
#2 Surjeet Singh, Bengaluru Bulls
Bengaluru Bulls surprised many by releasing their star raider Bharat Hooda and experienced defender Surjeet Singh ahead of the Pro Kabaddi 2024 auction. The decision to release Surjeet raised quite a few eyebrows as the Bulls could have retained him for a value-for-money price.
Surjeet was Bengaluru's best defender in PKL 10, scoring 56 tackle points in 21 matches. Considering the experience he brings to the table, Bengaluru may regret releasing the wall of their defense.
#3 Mohammadreza Shadloui, Puneri Paltan
It is a little surprising to see last season's best defender in the auction pool. Mohammadreza Shadloui scored 99 tackle points in 24 matches and helped Puneri Paltan win their first championship.
Still, Pune have not retained the star all-rounder from Iran. His PKL 2023 price tag of ₹2.35 crore might have played a role in his release, but if Pune fail to re-sign Shadloui, they will regret releasing him.
#4 Sachin Tanwar, Patna Pirates
Three-time champions Patna Pirates have not lifted the Pro Kabaddi trophy since season five. The team management has probably decided to change the team's core group now, which is why they have released some big names, including main raider Sachin Tanwar.
Sachin was Patna's best raider over the last few seasons. However, he is not on the team's retained players list. It is pertinent to note that Sachin finished sixth on the raiders' leaderboard last season. Thus, if Patna do not re-sign him or fail to sign an equally talented raider, it could prove to be a blunder.
#5 Fazel Atrachali, Gujarat Giants
The duo of captain Fazel Atrachali and coach Ram Mehar Singh worked wonders for the Gujarat Giants as the team qualified for the playoffs last season. Although Gujarat did not become champions, they played brilliantly throughout their campaign.
Having released Fazel, Gujarat have not only weakened their defense but have also left their leader out of the team. It could prove to be a major mistake from the Ahmedabad-based franchise in Pro Kabaddi 2024.