Pro Kabaddi League 2016: SWOT analysis of Patna Pirates
After a spectacular last season in the third edition of the Star Sports Pro Kabaddi, the Patna Pirates will be raring to go up against the Puneri Paltans on 27 June to kick off their title defence in Pro Kabaddi League season 4. The team whose strongest suit has been their consistency over the past three seasons will hope that they can bring their form of last season to this season as well and do what no team in the tournament has managed to achieve – defend the title.
Although, after their stellar show last season, most of the players of the team were snapped up by other franchises in the auction, leading to a major shift in the team’s composition this season, leaving their fans a little unhappy. However, the new look Patna Pirates, led by the 41-year-old veteran Dharamaraj Cheralathan still look good enough on paper to reach the top four, from where it is anyone’s game.
Here is a look at what all can work for and work against the team owned by KVS Energy and Sports Limited.
Strengths
The fact that the fourth edition of the League is happening within 5 months of the third proves slightly advantageous for the Pirates as they will not only come into the tournament with the favorites tag but also the momentum.
The team was in stupendous form last year and finished only below the ever consistent U Mumba with 10 wins in 14 matches in the league stage and then pipped them in an enthralling final to run away with the title.
The team also comes into the tournament with a certain reputation for they have a good experience of handling pressure as they featured in the semi-finals of all the seasons. Besides, the defence of Patna Pirates will be the one to watch out for as the team has brought in some of the best defenders to the side through the auctions. A defence that boasts of Fazel Atrachali, Bajirao Hodage and Dharamaraj Cheralathan can squeeze the life out the raiders of any team in the league.