There are a few teams in PKL that you can never underestimate, as they always surprise you with their tactics. They may not have big names or spend much on notable players, but their strategies make them formidable opponents. Patna Pirates is the most dominant team in PKL history, having won three titles in a row, which speaks volumes about their consistency and tactics.
But why are they the most successful franchise in PKL? What are the main reasons behind their success? Let’s see in detail as PKL Season 11 is set to be announced soon, with franchises finalizing their teams after the PKL auction. It will be interesting to see how this season goes, especially considering their impressive playoff record in the past. Backing young players has become a key strategy for this franchise. Let’s see all the factors, from their playoff record to the reasons why they are favorites again in Season 11.
Patna Pirates playoff records
| Year | Fixture | Score | Result |
| 2014 | Patna Pirates vs Jaipur Pink Panthers (Semi-Final) | 18-38 | Lost |
| 2014 | Patna Pirates vs Bengaluru Bulls (3rd Place) | 29-22 | Won |
| 2015 | Patna Pirates vs U Mumba (Semi-Final) | 18-35 | Lost |
| 2015 | Patna Pirates vs Telugu Titans (3rd Place) | 26-34 | Lost |
| 2016 (January) | Patna Pirates vs Puneri Paltan (Semi-Final) | 40-21 | Won |
| 2016 (January) | Patna Pirates vs U Mumba (Final) | 31-28 | Won |
| 2016 (June) | Patna Pirates vs Puneri Paltan (Semi-Final) | 37-33 | Won |
| 2016 (June) | Patna Pirates vs Jaipur Pink Panthers (Final) | 37-29 | Won |
| 2017 | Patna Pirates vs Puneri Paltan (Major/minor Semi-Final) | 42-32 | Won |
| 2017 | Patna Pirates vs Bengal Warriors (Preliminary Final) | 47-44 | Won |
| 2017 | Patna Pirates vs Gujarat Giants (Final) | 55-38 | Won |
| 2021 | Patna Pirates vs UP Yoddha (Semi-Final) | 38-27 | Won |
| 2021 | Patna Pirates vs Dabang Delhi (Final) | 36-37 | Lost |
| 2023 | Patna Pirates vs Puneri Paltan (Semi-Final) | 28- 46 | Lost |
Why are Patna Pirates successful in PKL?
Investment in Youngsters
Usually, this team builds its squad on a minimal budget, focusing on acquiring young talent rather than big names. A prime example is Pardeep Narwal,who came in season 3 to Patna Pirates and for Pirates it was a golden move that helped the team reach new heights in its history by winning two PKL seasons during his tenure and one earlier. However, heavily investing in raiders rather than strengthening their defense could be a concern. Overall, having a packed roster of raiders allows the team to attack effectively when it matters most.
Consistent Performers
Apart from their strong fanbase and other factors, it is their consistency that stands out. With players like Pradeep Narwal in the past and Neeraj Kumar currently, everything has aligned well for the franchise. Although last season’s knockout failure raises some doubts, we have seen in the past how the team effectively utilizes its caliber. In Season 5, when they won, their defense immediately strengthened when required, with Jawhar Dagar and Vishal Mane covering the right wing. Everything fell into place during that playoff time.
This season, releasing Pradeep Narwal could be a bold move, but it may also allow for a fresh start. With a young roster that includes Anish, Abinand, Subhash, Navdeep, Shubham Shinde, and Hamid Nader, they could achieve a turnaround in PKL Season 11.
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