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Defending champions Puneri Paltan will be among the favorites to win the Pro Kabaddi League once again. The Pune-based franchise needed 10 seasons to lift their maiden trophy.
Over the last decade, the Puneri Paltan owners signed so many world-class kabaddi players and hired some of the best coaches as well. However, nothing worked for the Pune team.
The owners then decided to create their own academy, where they unearthed young talents and then signed them at the auction. This move worked wonders for the franchise as they could sign homegrown talents via the NYP program at low prices.
The combination of world-class talent from the auction along with the ever-improving homegrown talent helped Puneri Paltan qualify for PKL 9 final and then win the championship in season 10. Pune have retained the same formula for season 11 as well.
Here are three reasons why they can end the upcoming season as champions.
#1 Puneri Paltan have retained their core group of players
It is rare to see any franchise go for a major overhaul after winning the trophy in Pro Kabaddi League. The Puneri Paltan have retained their core group of players, who played a pivotal role in the team's success last season.
Unfortunately due to budget issues, the Pune-based franchise could not retain their star Iranian all-rounder Mohammadreza Shadloui. Still, the team has the likes of Aslam Inamdar, Mohit Goyat, Pankaj Mohite, Akash Shinde, Aditya Shinde, Gaurav Khatri, Sanket Sawant, and Abinesh Nadarajan from their champion squad.
#2 Puneri Paltan signed 2 fantastic left corner defenders
As mentioned ahead, Paltan could not retain Mohammadreza Shadloui for the 11th edition of the Pro Kabaddi League due to their auction purse. Haryana Steelers secured Shadloui's services at the auction.
Interestingly, Pune roped in Haryana's left corner defender of season 10, Mohit to make up for Shadloui's absence. Mohit was quite impressive for the Steelers, earning 47 points in 22 matches.
Another reliable left corner defender joining Pune for season 11 is Aman. The former Bengaluru Bulls defender formed a solid combination with Saurabh Nandal during his stint with the Bulls. He will aim to bring his experience to the fore when he dons the Paltan jersey in PKL 11.
#3 Mastermind coach BC Ramesh
BC Ramesh has been one of the most successful coaches in Pro Kabaddi League history. In season six, he was the assistant coach of the Bengaluru Bulls, when they won the Pro Kabaddi League. A season later, he became the head coach of the Bengal Warriorz and guided them to the championship.
In season nine, Ramesh joined the Paltan and coached the team to their first final, followed by their maiden trophy in the next season. Looking at Ramesh's track record as a coach, it goes without saying that his teams always perform well in the league.
Ramesh has a habit of bringing the best out of the available resources in his squad. Puneri Paltan retained him as their head coach for the third successive season. If his men execute his plans well, Pune should retain the trophy in PKL 11.
