Defending champions Jaipur Pink Panthers are gearing up for the title defence in the Pro Kabaddi League 2023. Jaipur won their second title in the PKL last year by defeating Puneri Paltan in the final. As PKL 2023 set to begin in a few weeks’ time, they are now aiming to equal Patna Pirates’ tally of three titles in the league.
Without much changes to the squad, they enter the upcoming tournament as one of the favourites for the title. . InsideSport takes a complete look at the team’s performances over the years and their squad for the upcoming season.
Jaipur Pink Panthers performance over the years in PKL
Jaipur Pink Panthers were crowned as the champions of the inaugural edition of the PKL in 2014. However the next two seasons did not go well for team as they did not reach the playoffs.
In the next season, the Panthers came close to winning the second title. However they finished as runner-up after losing the final against Patna Pirates.
The team suffered in the next four seasons, failing to seal a spot in the playoffs. They then made a terrific comeback in the last edition by winning the title.
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Retained Players
Most of the players who were part of the title-winning squad last season were retained ahead of the auction this year. Arjun Deshwal and Ankush, who were the best raider and defender last season were retained.
Other experienced players like Sahul Kumar, Sunil Kumar, Ajith Kumar , Reza Mirbhageri and Bhavani Rajput were also not released. Meanwhile veteran Rahul Chaudhari was one big name who was released before the auction this year.
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How the team fared at the PKL auction this year?
Having retained the core, the team only needed back-up players at the auction. They however bought back Rahul Chaudhari for his base price of 13 lakhs.
Iran’s primising raider Mohamedhosein Amarmaleki was bought for 13 lakhs. They the filled the remaining sports with upcoming talents Shashank, Navneet, Lavish, Lucky Sharma and Sumeet.
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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
