Puneri Paltan hope to end the title drought finally in PKL 2023. The Pune-based franchise made it all the way to the final last year. But they couldn’t win the title and ended up as runners-up. This year the team released their captain Fazel Atrachali and instead bought young Iranian sensation Mohammadreza Shadloui for a record-fee of 2.35 crore.
The core group of Indians meanwhile have been retained. InsideSport predicts the team’s starting seven for their opening match of the season against Jaipur Pink Panthers on 4th December.
Aslam Inamdar
Aslam Inamdar has been shouldering Puneri Paltan’s raiding responsibilities in the last two seasons. He is likely to lead the side in PKL 2023. The leader of the pack will be a sure-started for the Puneri Paltan in their opening game of the season.
Mohit Goyat
Mohit Goyat too has impressed with his performances in the last two seasons. Last year he scored 120 raid points from 17 matches.
He did not feature in all the matches for the side dur to an injury. A fully-fit Mohit Goyat will hope to play all the matches in the upcoming season.
Also Read: Pro Kabaddi League: Updated PKL 2023 points table & team standings
Akash Shinde
Akash Shinde emerged as the team’s best raider in the last edition. He featured for the team in all the matches and scored 139 raid points. In Shinde, Puneri Paltan have a solid third raider who can chip in whenever he is required to support Aslam and Mohit.
Mohammadreza Shadloui
Mohammadreza Shadloui, the young Iranian all-rounder is a game changer. He had two remarkable seasons while playing for Patna Pirates.
Especially last year, he emerged as the season’s best defender with impressive performances. He was surprisingly released by the team and Puneri Paltan snatched him at the auction. He will have to step in the shoes of Fazel Atrachali as the leader of the defence for the Paltan.
Also Read: Bengal Warriors captain Maninder Singh prioritises defensive improvements over PKL 2023 trophy
Abinesh Nadarajan
Right cover defencer Abinesh Nadarajan is expected to feature in almost all the games for Paltan this year. He featured in 15 matches last year and impressed with 35 tackle points.
Sanket Swant
At the left cover, the team has Sanket Swant. Having been part of the Paltan for the last three editions, he will be the Indian to lead the defence for the side this season.
He showcased his skills last year by picking up 30 tackle points from 24 matches. An improved show is expected from him in PJKL 2023.
Vahid Rezaeimehr
Puneru Paltan invested 16.6 lakhs on promising Iranian defender Vahid Rezaeimehr. He impressed for Iran in the recent Asian Games. He is set to make his debut in PKL and is likely to feature in the starting seven from the first game itself.
