Pro Kabaddi League 2024: Gujarat Giants' all-time PKL 7

Gujarat Giants have been synonymous with consistency since their inception in Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 5. Emerging as one of the most balanced and strategically adept teams, they stormed into the finals in their first two seasons, making a bold statement in their PKL debut.

While the Giants have yet to lift the coveted PKL trophy, they have consistently made it to the playoffs owing to their well-rounded squad and disciplined approach. Over the years, Gujarat Giants have built a reputation for solid defense, led by some of the league’s most successful defenders, while also nurturing talented raiders who’ve delivered under pressure.

With PKL Season 11 on the horizon, Gujarat aims to build on its legacy and finally claim the title. Let’s take a look at Gujarat Giants' all-time best playing seven, featuring players who have defined the franchise and played key roles in its journey through the seasons.

#1 Sachin Tanwar (Raider)

Sachin Tanwar’s rise in PKL mirrors the growth of Gujarat Giants. Both debuted in Season 5, and he quickly became the face of the franchise. Known for his agility, quick thinking, and ability to thrive in do-or-die situations, Sachin’s performance in his debut season was nothing short of stellar. He scored 159 raid points in 24 games, leading the Giants’ charge to the finals.

Sachin’s sophomore season saw him improve even further, scoring 190 raid points in 23 games during PKL Season 6. He became one of the most dependable raiders in the league. However, Season 7 saw a dip in his form as he managed just 84 raid points in 16 games, marking the end of his association with Gujarat. Despite the dip, Sachin’s contributions in the initial seasons were pivotal to Gujarat’s early success and cemented his place as one of their top players.

#2 Parteek Dahiya (Raider)

While Sachin laid the foundation, Parteek Dahiya represents Gujarat Giants' future in raiding. Making his PKL debut in Season 9, Parteek made an immediate impact. In his debut season, Parteek scored an impressive 178 raid points in 19 games, averaging 9.37 raid points per match.

Parteek’s consistency continued into Season 10, where he notched up 130 raid points in 20 games. His ability to perform under pressure and deliver crucial points in tight situations has made him a cornerstone of Gujarat’s raiding unit. Heading into PKL Season 11, Parteek will be pivotal to Gujarat’s hopes of reclaiming their spot in the finals and, potentially, winning their first title.

#3 Rakesh Sangroya (Raider)

Supporting raiders play a crucial role in any team, providing the depth needed when the lead raider falters. Rakesh Sangroya has excelled in this role for Gujarat Giants since his debut in PKL Season 8. Though he wasn’t the primary raider, Rakesh’s contribution was significant, scoring 140 raid points in 22 games in his debut season.

Rakesh followed up his strong start with 131 raid points in 17 games in Season 9. His ability to step up when needed made him an essential part of Gujarat’s raiding lineup. In Season 10, Rakesh managed 108 points in 21 games, once again proving his worth as a dependable backup to the lead raiders. His contributions, though less flashy than some of his peers, have been instrumental in Gujarat's consistency over the seasons.

#4 Sunil Kumar (Left Cover)

On the defensive front, Sunil Kumar has been a standout performer for Gujarat Giants. After a brief debut with Patna Pirates in Season 4, where he got only one game, Sunil found his true calling with Gujarat in Season 5. He quickly established himself as one of the best cover defenders in the league, delivering consistently over multiple seasons.

In his debut season with the Giants, Sunil scored 57 tackle points in 24 games. He further improved in Season 6 with 76 tackle points in 25 games. Although his form dipped slightly in Season 7, with 46 tackle points in 18 games, he remained a reliable presence in the backline. His performance in Season 8, however, marked a downward trend as he managed only 38 tackle points in 23 games before moving to Jaipur in Season 9.

#5 Parvesh Bhainswal (Right Cover)

If Sunil Kumar was the heart of Gujarat’s defense, Parvesh Bhainswal was the soul. Making his PKL debut in Season 4 with Jaipur Pink Panthers, Parvesh found limited opportunities before moving to Gujarat in Season 5, where he blossomed into one of the league’s best cover defenders. His partnership with Sunil Kumar created one of the most feared cover combinations in PKL history.

In his debut season for Gujarat, Parvesh scored 48 tackle points in 24 games. His peak performance came in Season 6, where he tallied 86 tackle points in 25 games, finishing second in the list of most tackle points that season. Though his performances saw slight dips in subsequent seasons, he remained a reliable defender, scoring 55 tackle points in Season 7 and 56 in Season 8.

#6 Fazel Atrachali (Captain, Left Corner)

On the left corner, Fazel Atrachali, the legendary Iranian defender, is perhaps the most celebrated player to have ever donned the Gujarat Giants jersey. Widely regarded as PKL’s most successful defender, Fazel led Gujarat to the final in their debut season in PKL 5, contributing significantly with 57 tackle points in 24 games.

After a brief departure, Fazel returned to lead Gujarat Giants once again in PKL 10, where he helped the team reach the playoffs with another stellar performance, scoring 62 tackle points in 23 games.

#7 Abozar Mighani (Right Corner)

Completing the defensive line is another Iranian stalwart, Abozar Mighani. Abozar played just one season for Gujarat in PKL 5 but left an indelible mark with his aggressive and calculated defending from the right corner. Forming a deadly combination with his captain, Fazel Atrachali, Abozar scored 65 tackle points in 24 games during Gujarat’s debut season, helping them reach the finals.

Abozar’s contributions were instrumental in Gujarat’s early success, and though his time with the franchise was brief, his impact in that season cemented his place as one of Gujarat Giants' best-ever defenders.