Patna Pirates, the most successful team in Pro Kabaddi League history are looking to get back to their best. The three-time champions finished 10th in the last edition.
They have now made some drastic changes in the squad and are eyeing glory in the upcoming season under a new coach Narender Redu. InsideSport does a complete analysis of the team ahead of the upcoming season.
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Strengths
Patna Pirates have three top-class raiders in Sachin, Manjeet and Rakesh Narwal. Sachin was retained ahead of the auction by the team. He picked up 176 raid points for the team last year and will continue to lead the attack.
Sachin has a solid support in Manjeet, who was bought from the auction for 92 lakhs. He has been consistently scoring over 150 raid points over the last three seasons. Apart from him, there is also Rakesh Narwal, who can lend support to both the raiders.
In the presence of the trio, the Patna Pirates also have variety in the attack. Sachin has earned a reputation to perform in do-or-die raids and is effective with his running hand touches. Manjeet meanwhile has some tricks up his sleeves like the dubki, while Rakesh is a left raider.
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Weakness
The team released their best defender in the last two editions Mohammadreza Shadloui. The Iranian has been a force to reckon with as he picked up 89 and 84 tackle points over the last two years.
In his absence, Patna Pirates might struggle in the defence. Sajin Chandrasekhar and Thiyagarajan Yuvaraj will have to step into his shoes in the left corner. It is a big ask for the young Indians.
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Opportunity
Sachin has been in the league for quite a few years now. He has earned the reputation as a solid raider and has even been made it to the Indian team. However he is yet to have a breakout season, where he becomes one of the best raiders of the league.
His performance in 2016, where he picked up 190 raid points in a season still remains his best show in the league. As a leader of the pack, this season provides him a perfect opportunity to better his 2016 performance and enter into the 200 club.
Threat
While the team’s raiding is sorted, it is the defence that will be in focus. They have the experienced Neeraj Kumar in the right corner. Krishan Dhull was also acquired at the auction. However without Shadloui, there is a big vaccum to fill.
Also the combination in defence has to be sorted out. Only Neeraj and Sajin has been part of the side in the last season.
Patna Pirates – Squad
Raiders: Sachin, Manjeet, Rakesh Narwal, Zheng-Wei Chen
All-Rounders: Daniel Odhiambo, Rohit, Sajin C, Ankit
Defenders: Krishan, Deepak Kumar, Mahendra Choudhary, Sanjay, Neeraj Kumar, Manish, Thiyagarajan Yuvaraj
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