Can Patna Pirates Clinch Their Fourth PKL Trophy?
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Synopsis
Are the Patna Pirates ready to secure their fourth PKL title? With a strong lineup bolstered by experienced players and a new head coach, they have the potential to rise to the top. However, the loss of key players poses challenges. Dive into the strengths, weaknesses, and chances of the Pirates as they embark on this thrilling season!
Key Takeaways
- Patna Pirates aim for a record-extending fourth PKL title.
- New head coach Anup Kumar replaces Narender Redhu.
- Retained star defenders strengthen the team.
- Departure of key players like Devank raises concerns.
- Young talents have the chance to shine in Season 12.
Patna, Aug 9 (NationPress) The Patna Pirates are setting their sights on a record-extending fourth Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) title in the upcoming Season 12. The three-time champions reached their fifth PKL final last season, only to succumb to the Haryana Steelers.
Following their near miss for the fourth PKL trophy, the Pirates promptly released former head coach Narender Redhu just a few hours after the conclusion of Season 11.
In preparation for Season 12, the Pirates have brought on board Anup Kumar, the former captain of the Indian Kabaddi team, as their new head coach, replacing Narender Redhu.
Anup was part of the Indian national Kabaddi team that secured Asian gold medals in 2010 and 2014, as well as the South Asian gold medal and the Kabaddi World Cup in 2016. The Arjuna Award recipient led U Mumba to PKL finals in the first three seasons, winning the much-coveted PKL title in Season 2, before wrapping up his illustrious PKL career with the Jaipur Pink Panthers.
Retaining their core from the previous season, the Pirates signed eight new players during the PKL Season 12 Player Auction, investing a total of INR 4.966 crore to create a well-rounded squad. Let’s delve into the strengths and weaknesses of the Pirates as they gear up for the new season.
Strengths
A significant strength for the Pirates heading into PKL Season 12 will be their impressive defensive lineup. They retained defenders Hamid Mirzaei Nader, Thiyagarajan Yuvaraj, and Navdeep, and utilized their Final Bid Match (FBM) card to keep star left corner Ankit Jaglan for INR 1.573 crore for one season, bolstering their defense. With 79 tackle points in 25 matches, Ankit was crucial in leading the Pirates to last season's final.
The Pirates also used their FBM option to re-sign right cover Deepak Singh for INR 86 lacs for two seasons. Deepak emerged as one of the top right covers in the league last year with 64 tackle points in 25 games.
Furthermore, they enhanced their defense by signing right corners Sombir Gulia and Amin Ghorbani, each for INR 13 lacs.
Their defensive roster also includes Sanket Sawant (left cover), Saurabh, Prianshu, Balasaheb Shahaji Jadhav (right cover), and Deepak Rajender Singh (right cover).
Weaknesses
Despite retaining promising player Ayan Lochab and signing veteran raider Maninder Singh for INR 20 lacs at the PKL Season 12 Player Auction, the departure of their former raider Devank raises concerns. Devank was pivotal to their success last season, finishing as the standout raider with 301 raid points in 25 matches and winning the prestigious Best Raider award.
The Pirates will also miss their former captain and right corner Shubham Shinde, who moved to the Telugu Titans for INR 80 lacs at the recent auction. Shubham was among the top defenders for the Pirates last season with 56 tackle points in 22 matches.
Opportunities
The exit of Devank presents a prime opportunity for Ayan Lochab to establish himself as the lead raider of the Patna Pirates. Ayan shone in PKL Season 11, earning the New Young Player Award with 184 raid points in 25 games, which included four Super Raids and seven Super 10s, along with nine tackle points.
After a subdued season with 100 raid points in 15 matches, Maninder Singh’s addition to the Pirates offers valuable depth and experience. The focus, however, will be on Anup Kumar, the most successful captain in PKL history, who is back as head coach after his stint with Puneri Paltan in Season 8. His unparalleled game knowledge and player-centric approach could be the driving force in ushering a new era for the Pirates in Season 12.
Threats
While the Pirates reached the PKL Season 11 final, they parted ways with Narender Redhu and brought in Anup Kumar as head coach for Season 12. Anup, who finished his playing career with 527 raid points and 69 tackle points in 91 matches, previously coached Puneri Paltan in Season 7 but faced challenges leading them to a 10th place finish. Consequently, the Pirates' performance under Anup's leadership remains uncertain, and his inexperience as a head coach could be a potential threat heading into the new season.
Moreover, besides Ankit Jaglan, the Pirates lack quality all-rounders, which may present a significant concern for the team's prospects in Season 12.
Point of View
I believe the Patna Pirates are entering Season 12 with both promise and challenges. Their new coach, Anup Kumar, brings experience, but his inexperience as a head coach raises questions about the team's adaptability. The departure of key players like Devank could significantly impact their performance. It’s a season full of potential, but the Pirates must navigate carefully to reclaim their glory.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the strengths of the Patna Pirates?
The Patna Pirates' strengths include a strong defensive unit featuring key players like Ankit Jaglan and Deepak Singh, along with a solid core group retained from last season.
Who is the new head coach of Patna Pirates?
The new head coach of Patna Pirates is Anup Kumar, a former captain of the Indian Kabaddi team and a successful player in the league.
What challenges do the Pirates face this season?
The Pirates face challenges including the departure of standout raider Devank and the need to adapt to a new coaching strategy under Anup Kumar.
How did Patna Pirates perform in the previous season?
Patna Pirates reached the final of Season 11 but were defeated by the Haryana Steelers.
What opportunities exist for new players in the Pirates team?
With the departure of key players, there are opportunities for young talents like Ayan Lochab to step up and take on more significant roles in the team.
