Defending champions Jaipur Pink Panthers are looking to become only the second team in the history of Pro Kabaddi League to win back-to-back titles. The defending champions almost have the same squad in PKL 2023 that won them the title last season.
Renowned coach Sanjeev Baliyan bough just seven new players at the auction this year. InsideSport takes a look at the squad and does a complete SWOT analysis of the team ahead of the upcoming season.
Strength
Having won the championship last year, Jaipur Pink Panthers will enter the upcoming PKL season with self-belief. There is also not much changes in the squad. Hence the same core group of players will aim to continue from where they left off last year.
The team also have a good line-up of experienced international players. Sunil Malik and Arjun Deshwal were part of the gold medal-winning team in the recently concluded Asian Games.
Veteran Rahul Chaudhari was also bought back at the auction this year. Meanwhile the team also has the presence of experienced Iranians Reza Mirbagheri and Amir Maleki.
Also Read: PKL 2023: SWOT Analysis of UP Yoddhas ahead of Pro Kabaddi League 2023
Weakness
Arjun Deshwal and V Ajith Kumar are the team’s best two raiders. However they still have to depend on Rahul Chaudhari as the third raider. The veteran hasn’t been the same Rahul Chaudhari that PKL has seen in the early years.
His waning form remains a concern. Last season he picked up 71 raid points but can he step up in the role in yet another season remains a big question.
Also in case of any injuries to either Arjun Deshwal or Ajith Kumar, the team might struggle as they do not have suitable replacements. Apart from Rahul Chaudhari, Bhavani Rajput is the only other raider two has the experience of playing in the league.
Also Read: PKL 2023: Pro Kabaddi League full schedule, dates & venues – Check all details
Opportunities
Coach Sanjeev Baliyan has been having a great time over the past year. After Jaipur Pink Panthers won the PKL title last year, he has been named as the Indian Men’s team coach.
Under him, the team bagged the Asian Games gold medal recently. He now has an opportunity to become the first coach to win back-to-back titles with the same team.
Also Read: National Games Kabaddi: Naveen Kumar, Arjun Deshwal help Services win gold medal
Threats
While there is no big threat, no other team apart from Patna Pirates have managed to win successive titles in the league. Also Patna Pirates is the only team to win three titles in the league so far.
Having won their second title last year, there is much expectation from Jaipur Pink Panthers to successfully defend their title and win the third PKL title. It remains to be seen how the team performs under the pressure of expectations.
Jaipur Pink Panthers – Squad
Raiders: Arjun Deshwal, Ajith Kumar V, Bhavani Rajput, Rahul Chaudhari, Amir Hossein Mohammadmaleki, Devank, Shashank B, Navneet, Amir Maleki.
Defenders: Sahul Kumar, Ankush, Sunil Kumar, Reza Mirbhageri, Abhishek KS, Ashish, Lucky Sharma, Lavish, Sumit
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