Pro Kabaddi 2024: Ranking the teams according to their retentions
As the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) gears up for Season 11, teams are meticulously shaping their squads through strategic retentions and releases. With the player auction just around the corner, franchises have made key decisions about which players to keep and which to part ways with.
Here is a comprehensive ranking of the teams based on their retention strategies, showcasing how they stack up heading into the new season.
This ranking reflects each team's approach to building their side for Pro Kabaddi Season 11, with a mix of maintaining core players and integrating new talents. The upcoming player auction will further refine these squads, adding to the excitement of the new season.
Pro Kabaddi 2024: Ranking the teams according to their retentions
1. Dabang Delhi K.C.
Dabang Delhi K.C. top the list with their retention of key players Ashu Malik and Naveen Kumar. Malik’s exceptional performance in Pro Kabaddi Season 10, and Naveen’s potential make them crucial assets. The retention of young talents like Ashish, Himmat Antil, and Manu Yogesh further strengthens their squad.
2. Puneri Paltan
Puneri Paltan, coming off a title-winning season, have retained key figures like Abinesh Nadarajan and Gaurav Khatri, and stars such as Aslam Inamdar and Mohit Goyat. Despite the release of defender Md. Reza Shadlou, their strategic retention reflects a strong foundation for another successful campaign.
3. Jaipur Pink Panthers
Jaipur Pink Panthers have retained their standout raider Arjun Deshwal and valuable young players like Abhishek KS and Ankush. This balanced approach between experienced and emerging talents sets them up well for a competitive season.
4. Gujarat Giants
Gujarat Giants have retained a mix of experience and youth with Balaji D and Jitender Yadav in the Elite Retained Players category, and Parteek Dahiya, and Rakesh among the young talents. Although the release of Fazel Atrachali is significant, their overall retention strategy maintains a well-rounded team.
5. Haryana Steelers
Haryana Steelers have kept key performers Jaideep, Mohit, and Vinay, who were pivotal last season. Their retention of this core set of players and focus on maintaining a strong defensive unit shows they are well-prepared for another strong season.
6. U Mumba
U Mumba have retained influential players like Amirmohammad Zafardanesh and Rinku, and promising young talents such as Shivam, Bittu, and Gokulakannan M. Their mix of experience and emerging talent positions them as a team to watch out for.
7. Bengaluru Bulls
Bengaluru Bulls have retained notable players like Saurabh Nandal and Sushil, and young raider Akshit Dhull, who impressed last season. Despite the release of significant names like Bharat Hooda and Surjeet Singh, their retention strategy indicates a shift towards a balanced squad heading into Pro Kabaddi Season 11.
8. Bengal Warriorz
Bengal Warriorz have kept core players Vishwas S and Nitin Kumar, and young talents such as Shreyas Umbardand and Dipak Arjun Shinde. The release of star raider Maninder Singh is a significant move, but their retention of a solid core reflects a strategic approach.
9. UP Yoddhas
UP Yoddhas have retained key players like Sumit and Surender Gill, along with young talent Ashu Singh. Their retention strategy reflects a focus on maintaining core strengths while integrating promising young players, positioning them for making a comeback this season.
10. Telugu Titans
The Telugu Titans have retained Shankar Bhimraj Gadal and Ajit Pandurang Pawar, focusing on maintaining a strong core. Their decision not to retain players in the Retained Young Players category suggests a focus on key individuals while they look to explore new talent for the 11th Pro Kabaddi edition.
11. Tamil Thalaivas
Tamil Thalaivas have made minimal moves, retaining only a few players and not focusing on the Elite Retained Players category. This indicates a period of transition and rebuilding, with an emphasis on developing new talent.
12. Patna Pirates
Patna Pirates have retained Ankit and Sandeep Kumar among their elite players, and young Manish. However, their overall retention strategy seems less robust compared to other teams, indicating a need for further strengthening during the Pro Kabaddi Season 11 auction.