5 major transfers ahead of Star Sports Pro Kabaddi season 3
The 3rd coming of the Star Sports Pro Kabaddi League is upon us and all the eight franchises are geared up for the battle as champions U Mumba try to defend their crown they won six months ago. Since U Mumba’s triumph, the league management has decided to stage the tournament twice a year, much to the delight of the fans who are primed for two doses of action now.There has been a lot of movement as clubs have tried to strengthen their squads ahead of season 3 and players have switched cities and colours to embark on a new challenge. Notable among those are last year’s most valuable player, Manjeet Chhillar, his team-mate Ajay Thakur, former Patna Pirates skipper Rakesh Kumar, most successful defender Sandeep Kandola, Puneri Paltan skipper Wazir Singh, veteran Dharmaraj Cheralathan and Surjeet Narwal. But it’s these five players whose moves churned out more talking points than any other:
#5 Ajay Thakur (Bengaluru Bulls to Puneri Paltan)
A massive signing for Puneri Paltan and, similarly, a huge blow for the Bengaluru Bulls. Ajay Thakur has followed his skipper Manjeet Chhillar to Puneri Paltan where coach Ashok Shinde seems to be heading a revolution. With Wazir Singh and Pravin Niwale gone, Ashok Shinde had to replace his top raider with someone equally good and in Ajay Thakur, Shinde has found a perfect replacement. Ajay will resume his partnership with Manjeet Chhillar and their understanding will be key to Puneri Paltan’s success.
The 29-year-old was among the top five raiders for both the seasons so far and there is no reason why the tall raider won’t be able to replicate that with his new side. Ajay, once again, will have to lead the raiding department. The young players in the team will also thrive with the presence of Ajay in the team.