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Telugu Titans defender Krishan Dhull has said that his former franchise Patna Pirates made the decision not to retain him before the Pro Kabaddi 2024 Auction. Dhull was the best Indian defender of PKL season 10, so fans were surprised to see his name absent from the Pirates' retention list before the new season.
In an exclusive conversation with Sportskeeda ahead of PKL 11, Krishan Dhull opened up on whether it was his decision or the franchise's to release him. Some fans felt that Dhull may have asked to leave the team for a better one at the auction, but the corner defender declined that claim:
"It was the team's choice. They must have thought something. The team released me."
When asked if he was disappointed when the Patna Pirates released him even after he had earned 78 tackle points in 24 matches for them, Krishan replied:
"I was not disappointed. In fact, I was excited about what will happen in the auction."
Telugu Titans signed Dhull for ₹70 lakh at the Pro Kabaddi 2024 Auction. He emerged as one of the most expensive defenders of the auction, and this will be his first stint with the Titans.
"I always wanted to play with him" - Krishan Dhull excited to join Pawan Sehrawat at Telugu Titans
The Telugu Titans is also the home of Indian kabaddi superstar Pawan Sehrawat. The Titans used the FBM card to retain their star all-rounder for PKL 11. When asked if he's excited to play alongside Pawan, Krishan Dhull said:
"Pawan is the top raider of the league. I always wanted to play with him. So, I am happy that I have received that chance now."
Although Pawan was with the Titans last year, his team finished last in the standings. In fact, the Titans have won only five of their last 66 games in the Pro Kabaddi League. Krishan, though, is confident that the team will perform better this season. In fact, he said that the team will try to stay unbeaten and win the PKL.
"The team has only won 5 out of the last 66 matches, so now, we will try to win all 22 matches and become the champions also," Krishan said.
"The team atmosphere is really good. The players are enjoying each other's company. Everyone is practicing well," he added.
Lastly, Krishan listed the two big goals he has for the upcoming season. His first goal is to help the Telugu Titans win their first championship, and his second target is to win the Best Defender award.
"We will try our 100% to make Telugu Titans champions in PKL 11. Talking about individual expectation, I want to be the best defender of the league," Krishan Dhull signed off.
Pro Kabaddi League 2024 will begin on October 18 in Hyderabad. Home team Telugu Titans will be in action against former champions Bengaluru Bulls in the opening game of the season. It will be interesting to see if the Titans can start the season with a win.
