"If you look at Gujarat's squad, they needed a captain like him"- Rishank Devadiga thinks Giants missed a trick by not using FBM for Fazel Atrachali

Kabaddi expert Rishank Devadiga has opined that the Gujarat Giants made an error by letting go of Fazel Atrachali. The Iranian defender captained the Giants last season, and the team qualified for the playoffs as well. However, the Gujarat-based franchise released him and did not show any interest in re-signing him.

In an exclusive chat with Sportskeeda after the Pro Kabaddi 2024 Auction, Rishank Devadiga reviewed the strategy and plans of all franchises.

When asked about the top steal deal of the auction, Devadiga picked Fazel Atrachali and Maninder Singh going for ₹50 lakh and ₹1.15 crore, respectively, to the Bengal Warriorz.

"See there are two such players who I think have proven to be bargain deals of the Pro Kabaddi 2024 Auction - Fazel Atrachali and Maninder Singh. I felt Maninder would cross the ₹2 crore mark, but it has been a great deal for Bengal Warriorz. Even Fazel Atrachali is a good captain and a good defender. So to get him for ₹50 lakh is a fantastic deal. I am happy to see Fazel in the Bengal Warriorz team for PKL 11," Rishank said.

Fazel Atrachali has been the most successful defender in PKL history. Still, only a few teams showed interest in him at the Pro Kabaddi 2024 Auction, with the Bengal Warriorz eventually signing him for ₹50 lakh. Rishank Devadiga felt that the Gujarat Giants should have used the FBM card to re-sign him at that price.

"It was shocking obviously. I was surprised to see the other teams not show any interest in Fazel Atrachali. Another surprise was Gujarat Giants not using the FBM card for him. If you look at Gujarat's squad, they needed a captain like him. They missed Shadloui, and then, they let go of Fazel as well. So that could be a big loss for Gujarat," Devadiga commented.

"The team looks almost complete to me"- Rishank Devadiga praises UP Yoddhas' auction strategy

Rishank Devadiga captained the UP Yoddhas during his playing days. In his auction review, Devadiga showered praise on the Yoddhas' strategy of retaining their core group and strengthening the squad by roping in top players like Bharat Hooda and Sahul Kumar.

"UP Yoddhas are known for retaining their core. Be it Sumit, Surender Gill or Ashu, they have been with this team for a long time. There was a dire need of new players in the squad, and they have brought in Bharat Hooda and Sahul Kumar. These two are brilliant additions to the squad," Rishank said.

The former UP Yoddhas skipper further explained why the team's decision to sign Bharat and Sahul was an excellent one and continued:

"I think UP Yoddhas have got a top-quality player in Bharat because he can raid and defend well. Sahul will be playing in the right corner instead of Nitesh. The team looks almost complete to me."

Despite Pardeep Narwal's exit, the UP Yoddhas have assembled a decent squad for the next PKL season. It will be interesting to see if they can finally win their first trophy.