sports
All Set For A Smashing New Season
The Gujarat Giants have their sights set on claiming the Pro Kabaddi League title with a reinvigorated squad for Season 11.
Manpreet Kaur
The Adani Sportline owned Gujarat Giants is keeping their focus on building a team that can win the Pro Kabaddi League, which is currently set to kick off its 11th season.
The Giants are one of the powerhouses in the world of Indian Kabaddi and took to the PKL like a duck to water. In their first couple of seasons, finished top of the points table and since then have qualified for the knockout stages twice.
However, the title remains elusive, and in their quest for glory, the Giants went shopping at the recently concluded PKL Season 11 Player Auction in Mumbai. Led by Chief Business Officer Sanjay Adesara and head coach Ram Mehar Singh, the team maintained their professional rigor, a hallmark since their debut in PKL in 2017. The task was not an easy one, as 11 other franchises were also out to get the best deal for some of the most sought-after players; over two days.
At the PKL Season 11 Player Auction, the Giants’ most impressive buy was Guman Singh for INR 1.97 Crore. The former U Mumba raider is fast and agile, and can score points rapidly, especially when the stakes are high.
Guman will team up with the Parteek Dahiya and Rakesh Sungroya, two of their best attacking players – or raiders – from Season 10. Both Parteek and Rakesh had been retained ahead of the PKL Season 11 Player Auction, and these three together will form the attacking nexus for the Giants.
Parteek and Rakesh have been nothing short of sensational. The former has 324 raid points over the last two seasons and while the latter boasts 387 raid points across three seasons. Guman raked up an impressive 163 raid points in the 10th edition of the PKL.
Gujarat Giants Team
- Balaji D
- Jitender Yadav
- Nitin
- Parteek Dahiya
- Rakesh
- Guman Singh
- Sombir
- Rohan Singh
- Nitesh
- Harsh Mahesh Lad
- Manuj
- Mohit
- Neeraj Kumar
- Himanshu Singh
- Monu
- Himanshu
- Aadesh Siwach
- Mohammad Esmaeil Nabibakhsh (F)
- Vahid RezaEimehr (F)
- Raj D. Salunkhe
On the defensive front, the Giants have bolstered their lineup with the addition of Harsh Lad and Neeraj Kumar. These players are not just adept at thwarting raids but also bring a level of physicality and resilience that is crucial in high stakes matches.
They will be joined by Sombir, secured through the Final Bid Match (FBM) card, and whose defensive prowess is well-known across the league. Adding an international flair to the team is the versatile Iranian all-rounder Mohammad Esmaeil Nabibakhsh.
With a well-rounded team, the Gujarat Giants will hope to make a significant impact in the upcoming season. After securing a playoff spot in PKL Season 10, the Giants are quietly confident about a fantastic performance in Season 11.
Head Coach Ram Mehar Singh expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "We're thrilled with the new additions to our team. This squad is incredibly strong, and we are optimistic about our chances this season. I am particularly pleased with the Indian players we have brought in. The next step is to ensure the team gels, which shouldn't be difficult given their immense quality." His confidence is echoed by the players, who are eager to prove their mettle and bring home the coveted trophy.
The Gujarat Giants' ethos is built on hard work, dedication, and an unyielding spirit. As the new season approaches, the Giants, who have a squad full of experience and healthy mix of youth, will hope to transform themselves into a well-oiled machine, ready to conquer new heights and bring glory to their fans.
The fans, too, play a crucial role in this journey. The support from their loyal fanbase has been a source of inspiration and motivation for the players. The energy in the stadium, the chants, and the sea of orange jerseys create an electrifying atmosphere that drives the Giants to push their limits. The team management has also been proactive in engaging with the fans through various digital platforms, ensuring that the bond between the team and its supporters remains strong.