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Puneri Paltan enter Season 11 of the Pro Kabaddi League with high hopes of becoming the second team in league history to defend their title. Their remarkable performance in Season 10, which included a record-breaking 19 wins, has set the bar high as they won their maiden trophy.
The Paltan topped the standings last season with 96 points and 17 wins. They beat Haryana Steelers with a scoreline of 28-25 in what was a thrilling and closely contested final.
Guided by head coach BC Ramesh, who has led teams to two PKL titles, the squad looks formidable on paper. However, several challenges lie ahead that may prevent them from retaining their title.
While they have retained much of their title-winning core, certain departures and tactical vulnerabilities could pose significant challenges. While they maintained unreal consistency and dominance last season, it remains to be seen if they can replicate the same this time around.
Here are three key reasons why the defending champions might face difficulties in defending their PKL title in Season 11.
3 reasons why Puneri Paltan can't defend their PKL title
#3 The void created by Mohammadreza Shadloui's departure
One of the biggest challenges for Puneri Paltan this season is the absence of Mohammadreza Shadloui, their defensive linchpin from Season 10. Shadloui topped the league in tackle points with 99 and even contributed 27 raid points, making him a crucial all-rounder.
His departure leaves a significant void in their defensive setup, and while new defenders like Vishal, Aman, and Mohit have been brought in, they are yet to display the same level of impact. Without Shadloui’s talismanic presence, Puneri Paltan's defense may struggle to instill the same fear in opposition raiders.
#2 V Ajith Kumar's inconsistent form
Puneri Paltan’s most expensive signing ahead of Season 11, V Ajith Kumar, has had a mixed run in recent seasons. Acquired for ₹66 lakh, his performance last season was his lowest since debuting in PKL Season 7, with only 80 raid points to his name.
While he has accumulated 460 raid points in his career, his recent dip in form raises concerns about his ability to contribute consistently. V Ajith Kumar will need to step up his game for Paltan’s raiding department to match the standards they set last season, but his recent form remains a question mark.
#1 Overreliance on key players
Another potential hurdle for Puneri Paltan is their heavy reliance on key players like Aslam Inamdar and Pankaj Mohite. Inamdar, who was the MVP of Season 10 with 142 raid points and 26 tackle points, will once again be expected to lead from the front.
While Inamdar and Pankaj form a strong attacking pair, any dip in their form or fitness issues could derail Puneri Paltan's campaign. The absence of a deep bench with equally impactful players might leave the team vulnerable if their stars fail to consistently deliver.
They do have the talent to challenge for the title again, but these factors could significantly affect their chances of successfully defending their title in PKL Season 11.
