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Defending champions Puneri Paltan are set to enter Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) 11 with a strong, well-rounded squad. Unlike teams that depend heavily on star players, the Puneri Paltan's strategy in recent seasons has been to create a balanced team where everyone contributes. The approach paid off, leading them to back-to-back final appearances in Season 9 and clinching the title in Season 10.
Heading into this season, the core of the team remains intact, though the absence of their key left corner, Mohammadreza Shadlou Chiyaneh, who secured 99 tackle points last season, could pose a challenge.
Let’s break down their likely starting lineup for PKL 11.
#1 Pankaj Mohite (Raider)
Pankaj Mohite, who has been with the team since Season 7, will likely continue in his role as the third raider. Last season, he provided solid support with 96 raid points across 22 games, often stepping up when needed. His ability to play as a secondary raider, taking some pressure off the main raiders, has made him a reliable asset for the Puneri Paltan.
#2 Sanket Sawant (Left Cover)
Sanket Sawant’s role in the defensive setup might not always reflect in the stats, but his contributions have been vital. Since his debut in season 7, Sawant has played an essential part in assisting the team’s right corner, Gaurav Khatri.
The partnership between Sawant and Khatri allowed the latter to make several successful tackles last season, and their chemistry will be key to Puneri Paltan's defense once again.
#3 Abinesh Nadarajan (Right Cover)
Abinesh Nadarajan had an impressive campaign last season, securing 57 tackle points in 24 matches. His partnership with Shadlou was one of the team's strongest aspects. With Shadlou no longer in the squad, Nadarajan will likely have to take on more responsibility, especially in organizing the defense and handling high-pressure moments on the mat.
#4 Aslam Inamdar (Captain, All-rounder)
Aslam Inamdar’s rise in the Pro Kabaddi League has been one of the highlights of the past few seasons. As captain, he led Puneri Paltan to their first title in Season 10, scoring 168 points in total. What sets him apart is his ability to contribute on both ends of the mat, from raiding to providing key tackles.
His leadership, tactical awareness, and all-round skills will be essential in Puneri’s title defense.
#5 Mohit Goyat (Raider)
Since his debut in Season 8, Mohit Goyat has established himself as one of the league’s consistent performers. Alongside Aslam, Goyat forms a strong raiding duo. He managed to score 151 points in 22 games last season, providing Puneri with the necessary depth in attack. His ability to coordinate with Aslam makes them a lethal pair to watch this season.
#6 Gaurav Khatri (Right Corner)
Gaurav Khatri had an impactful performance last season, ranking eighth in tackle points with 69 in 24 games. His consistency at the right corner was a key factor in Puneri Paltan’s defense. With Shadlou’s absence creating a gap on the left side, more responsibility will fall on Khatri to lead the defense and maintain the level of intensity that has become his hallmark.
#7 Aman (Left Corner)
Aman is expected to step into the left corner role, replacing Shadlou. While Aman had strong performances in previous seasons with Bengaluru Bulls, his form dipped last year, where he managed only 23 points in 13 matches. The Puneri Paltan has placed its faith in Aman, and how he handles the transition to a more prominent defensive role could be a determining factor in their title defense.
