How Did UP Yoddhas Assemble a Well-Rounded Squad for Pro Kabaddi League 12?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
UP Yoddhas made significant strides in the Pro Kabaddi League 12 Auction, securing vital signings including Guman Singh and Mahender Singh. With strategic additions and key player retention, the semi-finalists from last season are set to enhance their performance in the upcoming league. Will these changes propel them to victory?
Key Takeaways
- Guman Singh and Mahender Singh are standout signings for the team.
- The squad was strategically built with a mix of retained and new players.
- UP Yoddhas aim to improve on last season's semi-final performance.
- The team is focused on enhancing both their offensive and defensive capabilities.
- Strong leadership under coach Jasveer Singh is crucial for the team's success.
Mumbai, June 2 (NationPress) UP Yoddhas rejoiced after a successful Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) 12 Auction held over the weekend in Mumbai, securing pivotal signings such as Guman Singh, Mahender Singh, and Mohammadreza Kaboudrahangi. With 12 players retained and one New Young Player (NYP) prior to the auction, the semi-finalists from the previous PKL season aim to enhance their performance with these significant additions.
On the opening day of the auction, UP Yoddhas acquired Guman Singh for Rs 1.07 crore while also bolstering their defensive lineup with Mahender Singh for Rs 20 lakh through a Final Bid Match (FBM).
On the second day, they exercised their FBM for Mohammadreza Kaboudrahangi, securing him for another season at Rs 20 lakh. The Iranian defender has accumulated 28 points (24 Tackle Points) in 23 PKL matches, promising to fortify the defensive ranks.
In addition to these crucial signings, UP Yoddhas strategically added players such as Korean raider Dong Geon Lee (Rs 13.50 lakh), Ronak (Rs 9 lakh), and Pranay Vinay Rane (Rs 13 lakh).
These newcomers will join retained players like Sumit, Bhavani Rajput, Sahul Kumar, Surender Gill, and Ashu Singh, who were featured in the Elite Retained Players (ERP) list.
Meanwhile, Hitesh, Gagana Gowda HR, and Shivam Chaudhary were included in the Retained Young Players (RYP) category, along with Jayesh Vikas Mahajan, Gangaram, Sachin, and Keshav Kumar in the Existing New Young Players (NYP) list.
After the successful auction, head coach Jasveer Singh remarked, "Our auction strategy was straightforward. We aimed to keep our core intact while adding players that align with our squad's philosophy. Guman injects a new attacking dynamic into our raiding unit, while the inclusions of Mahender, Mohammadreza, and Dong Geon Lee will enhance our versatility. With a blend of retained players and newcomers, we are optimistic about our potential this season."
Reflecting on the team’s structure for the forthcoming Pro Kabaddi League season, Satyam Trivedi, CEO of GMR Sports, stated, "We are thrilled with the outcome of the PKL12 auction. Our goal was to sustain the momentum from last season, and we believe we have succeeded. By retaining our core squad, it was vital to acquire players who complement our existing team. With signings like Guman Singh and the retention of Mahender Singh, we have fortified crucial areas, and we eagerly anticipate a competitive season ahead."
UP Yoddhas Squad for PKL 12: Guman Singh, Mohammadreza Kaboudrahangi, Mahender Singh, Dong Geon Lee, Sumit, Ashu Singh, Bhavani Rajput, Sahul Kumar, Surender Gill, Hitesh, Gagana Gowda HR, Shivam Chaudhary, Jayesh Vikas Mahajan, Gangaram, Sachin, Keshav Kumar, Jatin, Ronak, Pranay Vinay Rane.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the strategic moves by UP Yoddhas in the Pro Kabaddi League. Their focus on retaining a strong core while enhancing the squad with new talent demonstrates a commitment to building a formidable team. This approach not only aims for immediate success but also fosters long-term growth within the sport.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the key signings for UP Yoddhas in PKL 12?
UP Yoddhas made significant signings including Guman Singh, Mahender Singh, and Mohammadreza Kaboudrahangi.
How many players did UP Yoddhas retain?
UP Yoddhas retained 12 players prior to the auction.
What was the auction strategy for UP Yoddhas?
The strategy focused on retaining the core team while bringing in players who complement the existing squad.
Who is the head coach of UP Yoddhas?
The head coach of UP Yoddhas is Jasveer Singh.
How did the CEO of GMR Sports view the auction results?
Satyam Trivedi expressed satisfaction with the auction results, highlighting the importance of retaining key players.
