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The Gujarat Giants, two-time Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) runners-up, will have their eyes set on claiming their first-ever PKL title in Season 11. Known for their consistency, the Giants have managed to reach the playoffs in four out of the six seasons they have participated in.
After a heartbreaking exit last season at the hands of Haryana Steelers in the Eliminator, the team will be eager to make a stronger push for the title this time around under the guidance of head coach Ram Mehar Singh. Ram Mehar, who steered Patna Pirates to a PKL title in Season 5, brings with him a winning mentality that the Gujarat Giants have to capitalize on.
The franchise was quite active during the Season 11 Player Auction, signing 15 players to build a well-rounded squad.
As they prepare for the new season, here are Gujarat Giants’ strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats ahead of PKL Season 11.
Strengths
One of Gujarat Giants' biggest strengths is their powerful raiding lineup. With a squad stacked with attacking talent, the Giants will depend heavily on Guman Singh, Parteek Dahiya, and Rakesh to pierce through opposition defenses. Guman Singh, the team's primary raider acquired for ₹1.97 crore, was ninth on the Season 10 leaderboard with 163 raid points and boasts 400 raid points overall in the league.
He will be expected to lead from the front, with Dahiya and Rakesh providing strong support. Parteek Dahiya has proven his value, tallying 308 raid points in two seasons, while Rakesh, who has accumulated 379 raid points, will aim to bounce back after a somewhat lackluster performance last season.
Weaknesses
However, despite their offensive firepower, the Gujarat Giants' defense remains a major area of concern. Outside of Sombir and Neeraj Kumar, the Giants lack experienced defenders. Sombir has 194 tackle points in the league, while Neeraj has 172.
To address these defensive vulnerabilities, the Giants brought in Nitesh, Manuj, Mohit, Harsh Lad, and Iranian defender Vahid Rezaeimehr. However, with limited PKL experience among them, the effectiveness of these new additions remains uncertain.
Opportunities
The Gujarat Giants will need to rely on their versatile all-rounders to balance the team. Mohammad Nabibakhsh and Balaji D have shown defensive prowess in the past, with 79 and 42 tackle points, respectively. Their ability to contribute on both ends of the mat could prove decisive.
Additionally, Monu, with 114 tackle points in the PKL, has the potential to strengthen the defense and offer much-needed versatility. A return to form for Neeraj Kumar, especially under Ram Mehar Singh's coaching, could also bolster their defensive unit.
Threats
One significant threat for the Gujarat Giants is their relative lack of experience, particularly in both raiding and defensive departments. The Giants have struggled in the past with close matches, losing games they were in a position to win. Guman Singh, though talented, is still growing as a lead raider and will need to consistently deliver.
The Giants' success will largely depend on how their inexperienced squad handles high-pressure situations, and their ability to convert narrow margins into victories could define their season.
