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With two Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) titles under their belt, Jaipur Pink Panthers are all set to launch their campaign as Season 11 gets underway on October 18, 2024. After consistently performing well in recent seasons, including a semi-final finish in Season 10, the Panthers will be determined to go the distance this time.
Their journey under head coach Sanjeev Baliyan, a PKL veteran with two title victories to his name, promises to be exciting. Baliyan previously led the Patna Pirates to glory in Season 3 and Jaipur Pink Panthers in Season 9, and will now aim to add a third title to his cabinet.
Jaipur Pink Panthers were one of the most active teams at the Season 11 Player Auction, bringing in 12 new players to bolster their already solid squad. With a balanced mix of attacking firepower and defensive strength, they look well-equipped to challenge for the PKL trophy once again.
Here’s an in-depth look at the team’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats ahead of PKL 2024.
Pro Kabaddi 2024: Jaipur Pink Panthers' SWOT Analysis
Strengths
One of the biggest strengths of Jaipur Pink Panthers is the depth they possess in both their raiding and defensive departments. Leading their attack will be Arjun Deshwal, who ranks eighth on the all-time raid points leaderboard with 947 points.
Deshwal will be supported by two experienced left raiders, Shrikant Jadhav and Vikash Kandola, both of whom bring considerable PKL experience to the table. Jadhav has accumulated 681 raid points, while Kandola has 800, making them potent threats in attack.
Additionally, Neeraj Narwal, who has contributed 175 raid points in his PKL career, adds more dynamism to their offensive setup. In defense, the Panthers are equally formidable.
Veteran defender Surjeet Singh, second on the all-time leaderboard with 404 tackle points, is expected to be the linchpin of their backline. He will team up with Ankush, who was the best defender in Season 9 with 89 tackle points, and Iranian stalwart Reza Mirbagheri, who has 96 tackle points in two seasons. Together, this trio promises to provide a solid defensive foundation for the team.
Weaknesses
Despite the strong squad on paper, the departure of former captain Sunil Kumar could leave a significant void. Sunil Kumar was a core member of the team and a vital defender, but more importantly, his leadership will be missed.
Known for his consistency, Kumar has captained in 107 PKL matches with an impressive 61% win rate, winning 65 games as skipper. While Surjeet Singh may be a suitable replacement in terms of defensive ability, replicating Sunil's leadership and impact on the mat could be a challenge for the Jaipur Pink Panthers.
Opportunities
Season 11 presents a golden opportunity for several players to step up and make their mark. Neeraj Narwal, Lucky Sharma, and Ravi Kumar will be particularly eager to make the most of their chances. With the departure of defender Sahul Kumar, Lucky Sharma may find himself playing a bigger role in defense this season.
Meanwhile, both Neeraj Narwal and Ravi Kumar will be looking to improve on their performances from last season. Narwal, with 175 raid points, has the potential to trouble any opposition on his day. Ravi Kumar, a defender with 218 tackle points in PKL, will be keen to re-establish himself as a key figure in the Jaipur Pink Panthers’ defense.
Threats
One area where Jaipur Pink Panthers may have left themselves vulnerable is their lack of all-rounders. Currently, Aamir Wani is the only all-rounder in the squad, and he has yet to make his PKL debut.
While the team’s star raiders and defenders are expected to cover this gap, having a versatile all-rounder can often be the difference in tight matches. A player who can contribute on both ends of the mat brings balance to the team and could give the Panthers a crucial edge in nail-biting encounters, which they lack currently.
