The Telugu Titans are preparing for a crucial season in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) as they aim to bounce back from a string of disappointing campaigns. With renewed vigour and strategic changes, the Titans are determined to rewrite their narrative in Season 11. Let’s break down the team’s new approach, their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats heading into this pivotal season.
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Head Coach Krishan Kumar Hooda: A New Era
In a bold move to change their fortunes, the Telugu Titans appointed Krishan Kumar Hooda as their head coach for Season 11. Hooda brings a wealth of experience, having previously led Dabang Delhi K.C. to the PKL title in Season 8. He is also a Dronacharya Award winner, a testament to his excellence in coaching. His tactical expertise and ability to develop talent could be exactly what the Titans need to rejuvenate their squad and build a winning formula.
Telugu Titans Full Squad
Shankar Gadai, Ajit Pawar, Ankit, Omkar Patil, Praful Zaware, Sanjeevi S, Pawan Sehrawat, Krishan Dhull, Vijay Malik, Rohit, Sagar, Chetan Sahu, Nitin, Milad Jabbari, Mohammad Malak, Sunder, Manjeet, Ashish Narwal, Amit Kumar
Ahead of the PKL Season 11, Telugu Titans were highly active in the Player Auction, making several strategic acquisitions to strengthen their squad:
- Pawan Sehrawat (INR 1.725 crores, retained using FBM card): One of the biggest names in the PKL, Pawan Sehrawat, returns to the Titans. As the third-highest raid points scorer in PKL history with 1,189 raid points, Pawan is not only a dynamic raider but also capable in defence, with 65 tackle points to his name.
- Krishan (INR 70 lakhs): One of the league’s best defenders, Krishan’s addition is expected to bolster the Titans’ defence. His experience and consistency will be crucial in shoring up a defensive unit that has struggled in past seasons.
These acquisitions indicate the Titans’ intent to create a balanced squad with a mix of experienced and versatile players capable of contributing on both ends of the mat.
Telugu Titans Full Schedule for PKL Season 11
| Date | Day | Team A | Team B | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18-Oct | Friday | Telugu Titans | Bengaluru Bulls | Hyderabad | 20:00 |
| 19-Oct | Saturday | Telugu Titans | Tamil Thalaivas | Hyderabad | 20:00 |
| 22-Oct | Tuesday | Telugu Titans | Jaipur Pink Panthers | Hyderabad | 20:00 |
| 26-Oct | Saturday | Telugu Titans | Dabang Delhi KC | Hyderabad | 21:00 |
| 28-Oct | Monday | Telugu Titans | Patna Pirates | Hyderabad | 21:00 |
| 02-Nov | Saturday | Bengaluru Bulls | Telugu Titans | Hyderabad | 20:00 |
| 06-Nov | Wednesday | Tamil Thalaivas | Telugu Titans | Hyderabad | 20:00 |
| 09-Nov | Saturday | Telugu Titans | Puneri Paltan | Hyderabad | 20:00 |
| 14-Nov | Thursday | UP Yoddhas | Telugu Titans | NOIDA | 20:00 |
| 18-Nov | Monday | Telugu Titans | Haryana Steelers | NOIDA | 21:00 |
| 20-Nov | Wednesday | Telugu Titans | U Mumba | NOIDA | 21:00 |
| 21-Nov | Thursday | Bengal Warriorz | Telugu Titans | NOIDA | 21:00 |
| 23-Nov | Saturday | Gujarat Giants | Telugu Titans | NOIDA | 20:00 |
| 28-Nov | Thursday | U Mumba | Telugu Titans | NOIDA | 21:00 |
| 30-Nov | Saturday | Jaipur Pink Panthers | Telugu Titans | NOIDA | 21:00 |
| 04-Dec | Wednesday | Telugu Titans | UP Yoddhas | Pune | 20:00 |
| 07-Dec | Saturday | Telugu Titans | Bengal Warriorz | Pune | 21:00 |
| 09-Dec | Monday | Haryana Steelers | Telugu Titans | Pune | 20:00 |
| 12-Dec | Thursday | Dabang Delhi KC | Telugu Titans | Pune | 20:00 |
| 14-Dec | Saturday | Telugu Titans | Gujarat Giants | Pune | 20:00 |
| 18-Dec | Wednesday | Patna Pirates | Telugu Titans | Pune | 21:00 |
| 20-Dec | Friday | Puneri Paltan | Telugu Titans | Pune | 21:00 |
Telugu Titans: SWOT Analysis
Strengths
The Telugu Titans have assembled a squad designed for versatility and adaptability, with an emphasis on all-rounders who can excel in both attack and defence.
- Pawan Sehrawat’s Versatility: Pawan Sehrawat’s all-around skills make him a valuable asset. He can dominate as a lead raider while also contributing defensively when needed. His presence alone brings stability and leadership to the Titans’ lineup.
- Vijay Malik’s Experience: With 409 raid points and 81 tackle points, Vijay Malik is another quality addition who enhances the team’s depth. His experience provides flexibility, allowing the team to strategize effectively in different match scenarios.
- Other Talented All-Rounders: The Titans also recruited promising players like Amit Kumar, Sanjeevi S, and Shankar Gadai. Though they may not have as much PKL experience as Pawan or Vijay, these players have shown flashes of their potential. With guidance from Krishan Kumar Hooda, they could become impactful players in Season 11.
Weaknesses
Despite their solid squad, the Telugu Titans face several challenges that could affect their performance:
- Lack of a Reliable Support Raider: While Pawan Sehrawat leads the raiding department, the Titans struggle with finding a consistent support raider. Prafull Zaware and Omkar Patil have shown potential, but their contributions were limited last season. Prafull only managed 43 raid points, while Omkar contributed 19 raid points in Season 10. If these players do not step up, the Titans could struggle to maintain their offensive rhythm, particularly when Pawan is off the mat.
- Inconsistent Performance from Raiders: Manjeet, who has accumulated 125 raid points in his PKL career, will also need to rise to the occasion. Consistency has been an issue for him, and his ability to support Pawan will be crucial for the team’s offensive strategy.
Opportunities
The Telugu Titans have several key opportunities to turn their fortunes around:
- Defensive Leadership with Krishan: The Titans’ defence has lacked leadership in recent years, but the acquisition of Krishan, who ranked second in tackle points last season (78), provides a solution. His defensive prowess, coupled with his 139 career tackle points, makes him a cornerstone of the Titans’ defence. This season is a significant opportunity for him to lead the unit and make a major impact.
- Support from Milad Jabbari and Ajit Pawar: With Krishan at the helm, the Titans also have the potential to optimize the contributions of Iranian defenders Milad Jabbari and Ajit Pawar. Jabbari notched up 33 tackle points, while Ajit added 30 in Season 10. If they can build on these performances and offer consistent support, the Titans’ defence could become formidable.
Threats
The Telugu Titans are not without their risks as they head into Season 11:
- Lack of Depth in Defense: The primary threat facing the Titans is the lack of experienced backup defenders. If Krishan, Milad Jabbari, or Ajit Pawar are unable to perform consistently, the Titans could find themselves in a vulnerable position. The reserve defenders, including new young player Sagar and the trio of Ankit, Sunder, and Mohammad Malak, have limited experience and have combined for just 22 tackle points. Their ability to step up will be critical if the Titans’ first-choice defenders struggle or suffer injuries.
- Over-Reliance on Pawan Sehrawat: While Pawan is undoubtedly a star player, the team’s over-reliance on him could backfire if support raiders do not perform. An injury or lack of form for Pawan could expose the Titans’ offensive vulnerabilities and derail their campaign.
FAQs on Telugu Titans’ PKL Journey
The Telugu Titans have struggled in recent seasons, finishing at the bottom of the league standings in the last three campaigns. They have not made it to the playoffs since PKL Season 6.
The Titans appointed Krishan Kumar Hooda, an experienced and title-winning coach, for Season 11.
Pawan Sehrawat, one of PKL’s top raiders, is the star player for the Titans and is expected to lead the attack.
The Titans face challenges such as a lack of reliable support raiders and depth in defence, which could impact their overall performance.
The Titans finished at the bottom of the league standings, struggling with consistency in both raiding and defence.
