PKL 2025: Captain returns but do Puneri Paltan have what it takes to win another title?
Puneri Paltan were the winners of the Pro Kabaddi League season 10. Aslam Inamdar was the captain of that side. The team had a lot of young players, but played with maturity. Their raiders hunted in a pack with Aslam Inamdar, Mohit Goyat, and Pankaj Mohite, making valuable contributions. Skipper Aslam Inamdar played seven matches last season before he was ruled out for the remainder of the tournament due to injury. His partner, Mohit Goyat, couldn’t impress a lot with his raids. Pankaj Mohite was their standout raider with 110 raid points in 22 matches.
Despite that, Puneri Paltan have retained all three for the upcoming season, expressing faith in thier ability to replicate season 10 performance. Puneri Paltan won only nine games out of 22 matches last season and finished in eighth position on the points table. They lacked firepower in both departments. There is no denying that Aslam Inamdar’s comeback will provide them the calmness needed under pressure. He is an excellent raider who can pick up points consistently. Puneri Paltan felt they needed more firepower in the raiding department and, hence, they have added an experienced raider in Sachin Tanwar.
Sachin Tanwar led Patna Pirates in PKL season 10 and played an instrumental role in taking the team to the semi-finals. He accumulated 171 raid points in 22 games but couldn’t replicate a similar performance last season. Tanwar collected 82 raid points and was released by the franchise. Puneri Paltan wouldn’t be looking too much into his last season’s performance, as they know what he can do on the mat when he is on song. His inclusion will certainly boost their chances of winning their second title.
One thing, however, which is a concern, is a defender whom the opposition would fear. In their PKL 10 season-winning campaign, they had the services of a giant in Mohammadrez Shadloui, who made the most successful tackles and most tackle points that season. Puneri Paltans didn’t secure his services last season, and they had to pay the price for that.
Has Puneri Paltan solved their defensive woes?
In the defense, they have retained Gaurav Khatri and Abinesh Nadarajan, who did a decent job last season. Gaurav Khatri was their best defender last season, racking in 61 points from 21 matches. To solve their issues surrounding corner positions, they have added Vishal Bhardwaj to the squad.
Vishal didn't find any buyers last season. Making a comeback in the PKL 12 season, he will be hungry to prove his doubters wrong. One more notable addition is Mohammad Nabibakhhsh, who could help them in both offense and defense. His contributions, though, in the last couple of seasons haven’t been too inspiring, to say the least.
Can Puneri Paltan lift the PKL Season 12 title ?
No one can deny that Puneri Paltan have a formidable raiding unit, but they might struggle with executive successful tackles too often. If Puneri Paltan want to win the PKL 12 title, players like Mohit Goyat, Sachin Tanwar, and Aslam Inamdar will need to support the defense more actively, in addition to making strong contributions on the offensive end.
What could be Puneri Paltan’s starting seven in PKL 12?
Aslam Inamdar, Mohit Goyat, Sachin Tanwar, Gaurav Khatri, Vishal Bhardwaj, Gurdeep, A Nadarajan
Puneri Patans’ squad for PKL 12:
Raiders: Mohit Goyat, Aditya Tushar Shinde, Pankaj Mohite, Abhishek Tukaram Gunge (right raider), Stuwart Singh (right raider), Mohammad Esmaeil Nabibakhsh (F), Milad Mohajer (F), Sachin.
Defenders: Gaurav Khatri (right corner), Abinesh Nadarajan (right cover), Dadaso Shivaji Pujari (right corner), Sanjay Enania (right corner), Rakesh (left corner), Vaibhav S. Rabade (right cover), Rohan Ashok Tupare, Vishal Bhardwaj, Mohd. Amaan (left corner).
All-rounders: Aslam Mustafa Inamdar, Gurdeep.
Head Coach: Ajay Thakur.
