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The UP Yoddhas have been one of the most consistent franchises in Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) history since their debut in Season 5. Despite never reaching the final, the Yoddhas have made it to the playoffs in every season from their debut to Season 9.
However, they faltered in Season 10, where they finished 11th on the table, only ahead of the Telugu Titans. With just 31 points from 22 matches, including only four wins, it was their poorest season so far.
As they prepare for Season 11, the UP Yoddhas have made several significant roster changes to regain their competitive edge. Head coach Jasveer Singh and his team parted ways with key players, including Pardeep Narwal, Nitesh Kumar, and Gurdeep. In their place, younger yet experienced talents have joined the squad, offering a refreshed lineup with high hopes for redemption.
On that note, here are the UP Yoddhas' strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats heading into the upcoming PKL season.
Pro Kabaddi 2024: UP Yoddhas SWOT Analysis
Strengths
UP Yoddhas still possess several big names in both raiding and defense. Their raiding unit will be led by Surender Gill, who has accumulated 487 points in 65 matches. Bharat Hooda, who scored an impressive 279 raid points in Season 9 for Bengaluru Bulls, finishing second in the list of top raiders, is expected to complement him.
The duo is supported by Iranian raider Heidarali Ekrami, who offers variety with his left raiding style, and Bhavani Rajput, a proven "super-sub" from Jaipur Pink Panthers.
In defense, the Yoddhas will rely on vice-captains Sumit Sangwan and Ashu Singh. Sumit has consistently delivered 254 tackle points in 89 matches, maintaining a high tackle success rate. Additionally, the experienced Sahul Kumar and Mahender Singh will add to the defense, bringing years of experience with them.
Weaknesses
Despite their strong squad, the UP Yoddhas face potential challenges in managing their raiding unit. Both Surender and Bharat are capable lead raiders, while Heidarali, Rajput, and Gagan Gowda add further depth. Properly assigning roles and balancing game time could be tricky.
Moreover, the defensive combination is untested, as Sahul and Mahender will be replacing long-time Yoddhas defenders Nitesh and Gurdeep. How quickly this new defensive setup gels will determine their performance.
Opportunities
The new season offers UP Yoddhas a prime opportunity to not only make it to the playoffs again but also to aim for their first PKL title. Surender Gill will step into the role of lead raider, a chance he will be keen to grab with both hands.
Additionally, young raiders like Heidarali and Rajput, who had limited chances in their previous teams, will have the platform to shine.
For Mahender Singh, this season presents a shot at redemption. After struggling at U Mumba in Season 10, he will be eager to reclaim his earlier form from his days with Bengaluru Bulls.
Threats
The disappointment of missing out on the playoffs last season could affect morale, both for the team and individual players. Bharat, Sahul, and Mahender all had underwhelming Season 10 campaigns.
Bharat managed just 103 raid points in 18 matches while Sahul and Mahender struggled to be at their best as well. The pressure to replace big names like Pardeep, Nitesh, and Gurdeep could weigh heavily.
Ultimately, UP Yoddhas will need these players to rise to the occasion and prove their mettle if they hope to bounce back in PKL Season 11.
