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The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 11 is soon arriving. It promises to deliver high-octane action and intense clashes among sides. With the player retention lists revealed, all eyes are now on the player auction, scheduled to be held on August 15 and 16, where teams will bid fiercely for some of the biggest names in Pro Kabaddi history.
The Pro Kabaddi 2024 auction is expected to be a blockbuster event, with star players like Pawan Sehrawat, Mohammadreza Shadlou, Maninder Singh, Pardeep Narwal, and Fazel Atrachali set to go under the hammer. The decisions made during this auction will likely shape the dynamics of the teams, which will set the stage for an exciting season.
While the marquee players are bound to gain much of the spotlight, the foundation of any successful Pro Kabaddi team lies in the retention of its core players. This season, several franchises have made surprising choices with their retentions, opting to show faith in players who have not delivered memorable performances as such.
Some of these retentions were unexpected, which has added an extra layer of intrigue to the auction. Here are the three shocking retentions ahead of the Pro Kabaddi 2024 auctions.
Pro Kabaddi 2024: 3 Shocking Retentions
#3. Ponparthiban Subramanian (Bengaluru Bulls)
The retention of Ponparthiban Subramanian by Bengaluru Bulls has come as a surprise to many. Despite being a solid player, Ponparthiban did not have a breakthrough outing or extraordinary performance in the previous season.
With Bengaluru Bulls known for their aggressive auction strategies, it was expected that they might release him to secure a bigger name. However, their decision to retain him suggests they see his potential as a key defensive asset for the upcoming season.
#2. Ajit Pawar (Telugu Titans)
Telugu Titans’ decision to retain Ajit Pawar was unexpected given his modest performances in the past season. With several high-profile players likely to be available in the auction, many thought the Titans would opt to refresh their side with new talent.
Retaining Ajit indicates that the franchise sees some potential and believes he could emerge as a valuable player with the right support and opportunities.
#1. Balaji D (Gujarat Giants)
The Gujarat Giants' decision to keep Balaji D raised questions, given that he was not a prominent player in the previous season. His retention over their leader and best defender, Fazel Atrachali, is also surprising.
With several veteran players available in the auction, many anticipated Gujarat hunting for a more capable alternative. However, the Giants' decision to keep Balaji implies that they are more focused on growing their current roster. While they may try to buy Fazel back, this is nonetheless a surprising move.
